Sitharaman Proposes Rs 4,000 Cr for Self-Reliant India Fund to Boost MSMEs

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed Rs 4,000 crore for the Self-Reliant India Fund in Budget 2026-27 to support MSMEs.
• A specific allocation of Rs 2,000 crore is earmarked for micro enterprises within this fund.
• Sitharaman also proposed a new Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to foster "future champions" in the sector.
• An integrated textile programme with five sub-parts, including the Natural Fibre Scheme and National Handloom and Handicraft programme, was proposed to aid the textile sector.
• The government plans to make TReDS platforms mandatory for all purchases from MSMEs by central public sector enterprises and continue infrastructure development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026-27 allocates significant funds to boost MSMEs and the textile sector, focusing on growth and infrastructure.