Post-Budget Reaction: Quote from Mr. George Alexander Muthoot, MD, Muthoot Finance

“The Budget 2023 presented by our Honourable Finance Minister today has touched upon all the right chords of the economy, and it will go a long way to boost capital expenditure, infrastructure, housing, along with consumption. The capex expenditure outlay of Rs 10 lakh crore will pave the way to boost economic growth, along with job creation. The enhanced outlay by 66% to Rs. 79,000 crore under the PM Awaz Yojna will boost India’s housing sector, especially in the rural and semi-urban areas. FM’s focus on sustainable cities, creating infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and Fifty additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes will further boost rural connectivity thereby supporting regional economy. 

During the pandemic MSMEs relied heavily on gold loans to meet their credit needs and the budget further has offered a big relief to MSMEs, which have been one of the most impacted sectors during the pandemic. In order to reduce the stress on the segment and increase the flow of funds, the Government revamped the ECLGS scheme via the infusion of Rs 9000 crores in the corpus. This will enable collateral for Rs 2 lakh crore loans to the small and medium-sized businesses. Further, 95% of the forfeited amount relating to bid or performance security will be returned to the MSMEs by the government and other undertakings. We also believe that the reforms announced with respect to the growth and development of the agricultural sector, animal husbandry and fisheries will further boost these sectors and support the economy. All these measures will positively enhance the scope of Gold-loan NBFCs like us, which are catering to the underbanked sectors of the society.”