सरकार ने MSME निर्माताओं और निर्यातकों के लिए म्यूचुअल क्रेडिट गारंटी योजना में संशोधन किया Overview The Ministry of Finance announced on 21 March 2026 a set of amendments to the MCGS‑MSME , originally launched in January 2025. The scheme, administered by the NCGTC , now extends to service‑sector MSMEs and offers targeted incentives for exporters. Key Developments प्रारंभिक योगदान : The initial 5% contribution becomes refundable, with 1% returned each year from the fourth year, contingent on loan performance. पात्रता विस्तार : Service‑sector MSMEs are now covered. परियोजना लागत अनुपात : The minimum equipment cost requirement is reduced to 60% of total project cost (previously 75%). गारंटी अवधि : The guarantee period is capped at 10 years. निर्यातक प्रोत्साहन : Eligibility: Profitable exporters with ≥25% of sales from exports for the last three fiscal years. Maximum guaranteed loan: ₹20 crore . Upfront contribution: 2% of loan (max ₹40 lakh), with 1% refundable in the 4th and 5th years. Guarantee coverage: 75% of defaulted amount. Guarantee fee: Nil in the first year; thereafter 0.50% of outstanding loan per annum. Important Facts Under the revised scheme, banks can extend credit up to ₹100 crore for the purchase of plant and machinery, with a 60% guarantee cover from NCGTC. The scheme’s design reduces the compliance burden on lenders and borrowers, encouraging higher credit uptake. Export‑oriented MSMEs receive a higher guarantee coverage (75%) and a fee waiver in the first year, making export financing more attractive. UPSC Relevance The amendments intersect with several UPSC syllabus points: Economic development: Enhancing MSME credit aligns with the goal of increasing the sector’s contribution, which currently stands at 30% of GDP and over 45% of India’s exports . Industrial policy: The move supports the “ Viksit Bharat 2047 ” vision.