January 9, 2026 Summary: The government has released a draft for the updated National MSME Policy, which proposes stricter penalties for large corporations and PSUs that delay payments beyond 45 days. The draft suggests an automated “escrow” mechanism for government contracts to ensure MSMEs receive their dues on time, addressing the sector’s biggest liquidity challenge.
Draft MSME Policy 2026: Focus on “Delayed Payment” Penalties
