SAMEEKSHA: Empowering MSMEs for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Growth

SAMEEKSHA stands for Small and Medium Enterprises Energy Efficiency Knowledge Sharing and is a platform designed to assist Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in optimizing their energy usage. The platform helps MSMEs adopt environmentally friendly, energy-efficient manufacturing techniques while ensuring entrepreneurs have access to the necessary capital to upgrade to more commercially viable and eco-friendly technologies.

How SAMEEKSHA Helps MSMEs

SAMEEKSHA offers entrepreneurs the support needed to transition to sustainable technologies by providing an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC). This certificate is crucial when entrepreneurs require financing to purchase capital equipment for upgrading to eco-friendly technology. The ECC not only certifies the use of environmentally sustainable technology but also boosts the entrepreneur’s credit rating, enhancing their chances of securing loans.

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the authority responsible for sanctioning loans to MSMEs with an ECC. With this certificate, MSMEs can access financing up to three hundred lakh rupees.

Key Features of SAMEEKSHA

1. Collaborative Platform
   SAMEEKSHA aims to unite various institutions and organizations working to meet the energy requirements of the MSME sector. It promotes pollution-free technologies and energy-efficient methods, significantly reducing the environmental impact of MSMEs.

2. Training Programs
   SAMEEKSHA organizes training programs to help entrepreneurs learn pollution-free manufacturing processes. These programs include self-study, research, and hands-on experimentation, preparing MSME owners to thrive in a competitive business environment.

3. Inputs for Entrepreneurs
   SAMEEKSHA provides essential resources and information to MSME entrepreneurs, including:

   • Using environmentally friendly fuels at low or no additional cost.

   • Improving operational practices to reduce raw material consumption.

   • Recovering and reusing wasted heat in manufacturing.

   • Implementing cost-effective energy strategies with measurable savings.

   • Optimizing the use of available resources and enabling operators to use alternative fuels.

   • Access to information on legal and regulatory compliance.

Credit Appraisal and Rating Tool (CART)

SIDBI uses the Credit Appraisal and Rating Tool (CART) to evaluate credit applications from MSMEs. CART is an automated system that predicts the likelihood of loan default, helping SIDBI assess the creditworthiness of applicants. The system processes loans up to one hundred lakh rupees for both long-term and working capital finance.

CART compares applicant data with industry-wide information and makes credit recommendations. It is used by all credit-sanctioning authorities, including SIDBI, for standard lending procedures.

Procedure for Availing Finance

To avail financing for eco-friendly technology upgrades, entrepreneurs must follow a step-by-step process with SAMEEKSHA:

1. Obtain ECC: Entrepreneurs must first obtain an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from SAMEEKSHA. This enhances their credit rating and supports loan applications.

2. Submit Application to SIDBI: To apply for financing, entrepreneurs need to submit a complete application to SIDBI, including:

   • Biodata of key members (e.g., proprietor, partners, directors).

   • Net worth statement certified by a Chartered Accountant.

   • Project feasibility report with projected balance sheets for two years.

   • Required documents like KYC, PAN, GSTIN, identity/address proof, income tax returns, rental agreements, and Udyog Aadhar registration.

3. Preliminary Report: The applicant must submit a preliminary report that includes:

   • Raw material details and suppliers.

   • Finished products and customer information.

   • Competitor analysis and market share.

   • SWOT analysis with strategies to address business challenges and opportunities.

4. Additional Requirements for Companies: If the applicant is a company, additional documents are required, such as:

   • Memorandum and Articles of Association.

   • Certificate of Incorporation and Commencement of Business.

   • Latest Form AOC-4 filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

   • A board resolution authorizing the loan application process.

   • Shareholding pattern if the company is part of a group.

Conclusion

SAMEEKSHA plays a pivotal role in supporting MSMEs in adopting energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable technologies. By offering valuable resources, training, and facilitating access to financing through the ECC, SAMEEKSHA empowers entrepreneurs to grow their businesses responsibly while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. Through its collaborative platform, MSMEs can optimize energy use, reduce costs, and meet market demands more effectively.