The Union Cabinet has approved a major financial decision to support India’s MSME sector. On 21 January 2026, the government cleared a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI. The move aims to strengthen SIDBI’s capital base, expand credit to MSMEs, improve access to affordable finance, and support employment generation across the country.
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi approved a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI. The decision is aimed at boosting MSME lending and maintaining SIDBI’s capital adequacy amid rising credit demand.
Cabinet Decision on SIDBI
- The Cabinet approved equity support for the Small Industries Development Bank of India to strengthen its financial position.
- SIDBI is India’s principal financial institution for the MSME sector and plays a key role in refinancing banks, NBFCs, and MFIs.
- The infusion will enhance SIDBI’s ability to provide direct and indirect credit to MSMEs at competitive rates.
- With increasing focus on inclusive growth, startups, and digital lending, the decision ensures that SIDBI remains well-capitalised to support India’s expanding MSME ecosystem over the coming years.
Structure of the ₹5,000 Crore Equity Infusion
- The equity infusion will be made by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) in a phased manner over three years.
- Of the total amount, ₹3,000 crore will be infused in FY26 at a book value of ₹568.65 per share.
- The remaining ₹2,000 crore will be provided in FY27 and FY28, in two equal tranches of ₹1,000 crore each.
- The phased approach ensures fiscal prudence while steadily strengthening SIDBI’s capital base in line with its projected growth in lending and risk-weighted assets.
Expected Impact on MSME Credit and Outreach
- The government estimates that the equity support will significantly expand SIDBI’s outreach.
- The number of MSMEs receiving financial assistance is expected to increase from 76.26 lakh in FY25 to about 1.02 crore by FY28.
- This means nearly 25.74 lakh additional MSMEs will gain access to formal credit.
- Improved availability of funds will help small businesses invest in expansion, technology, and working capital, reducing dependence on informal sources of finance and strengthening the overall MSME credit ecosystem.
Linked Employment Generation
- MSMEs are a major source of employment in India. According to the Ministry of MSME, around 6.90 crore MSMEs employed 30.16 crore people as of September 2025.
- Based on this average, the government estimates that the additional MSMEs supported through SIDBI’s expanded lending could generate about 1.12 crore new jobs by FY28.
- This makes the equity infusion not just a financial measure but also a strong employment and inclusive growth initiative.
Needs For SIDBI Higher Capital
- The government noted that SIDBI’s risk-weighted assets are expected to rise sharply over the next five years.
- This is due to increased focus on directed credit, expansion of digital and collateral-free loan products, and growing venture debt exposure to startups. As lending grows, higher capital is essential to maintain financial stability
- . Adequate capital also protects SIDBI’s credit rating, ensuring that it can raise funds from the market at competitive interest rates.
About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
| Overview of SIDBI | - Principal financial institution for promotion, financing, and development of the MSME sector in India.
- Focuses on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
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| Establishment & Legal Status | - Established on 2 April 1990.
- Set up under an Act of the Indian Parliament.
- Initially incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of IDBI.
Currently owned by, - Government of India
- 22 other Central Government–controlled institutions, PSBs, and insurance companies.
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| Administrative Control | - Functions under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
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| Headquarters | |
| Objectives & Functions | - Promote, finance, and develop the MSME sector.
- Coordinate the activities of institutions engaged in MSME financing.
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| Support MSMEs In | - Growth and expansion
- Marketing
- Technology development and commercialization
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
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Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | Cabinet approved ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI |
| Implementing Body | Department of Financial Services |
| Infusion Period | FY26 to FY28 |
| Main Objective | Boost MSME credit and maintain capital adequacy |
| MSMEs Benefited | Around 1.02 crore by FY28 |
| Employment Impact | Around 1.12 crore jobs |
Question
Q. Which institution will receive a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion approved by the Union Cabinet?
A. NABARD
B. SIDBI
C. RBI
D. EXIM Bank