Director Industries & Commerce reviews delayed payments to MSMEs and ODR mechanism.

Director Industries & Commerce reviews delayed payments to MSMEs and ODR mechanism.
Leh, September 2: A meeting regarding delayed payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism was held today at the Conference Hall of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Leh.
The meeting was chaired by Sh. Sonam Norbo, JKAS, Director, Industries & Commerce, Ladakh and Chairman, Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC).
Addressing the participants, the Director, Industries & Commerce emphasised that the session was organised to create awareness among officers regarding the MSME Samadhaan platform and the statutory provisions concerning delayed payments to MSMEs. He stressed the importance of timely clearance of outstanding dues by Government Departments and Agencies and discussed the mechanisms available for resolving payment-related disputes.
The meeting also deliberated on the resolution of delayed payment disputes through the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism.
The Joint Director, MSME-DFO, Jammu, participated in the meeting virtually and provided guidance on the provisions related to delayed payments to MSMEs and the ODR mechanism.
Ms. Isha Agarwal, Consultant, MSE-ODR Scheme, Ministry of MSME, delivered a detailed presentation on the delayed payment framework and the statutory safeguards available to MSMEs. Her presentation covered the statutory right to timely payment, payment obligations of buyers, statutory interest on delayed payments, the process of referring disputes to the MSEFC, functions and constitution of the Council, and other safeguards available to MSMEs.
She also explained the delayed payment process flow and highlighted key provisions of the MSMED (Amendment) Act, 2026, including enhanced liquidity through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), faster adjudication of delayed payment disputes, online hearings for suppliers, additional and differently constituted Councils, and consolidated statutory timelines.
Ms. Agarwal further gave a presentation on the MSME Online Dispute Resolution Portal, highlighting its role in facilitating timely payments and providing a digital pathway for resolving disputes. The presentation covered the Digital Guided Pathway (DGP), the various stages of proceedings before the MSEFC, and the role of the portal in empowering MSMEs through accessible and timely dispute resolution.
An interactive question-and-answer session was also held, during which participants raised concerns and discussed the issues and challenges being faced in matters related to delayed payments.
Heads of Departments, concerned Accounts Officers and senior officials from various Government Departments participated in the meeting. Officials stationed outside Leh also joined the meeting virtually through Google Meet.
Representatives of the Chamber of Industries & Commerce, Leh and Kargil, members of MSME were also participated in the meeting and highlighted various issues and challenges faced by MSMEs concerning delayed payments and related disputes.
The meeting emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among Government Departments, Agencies and stakeholders to ensure timely payments to MSMEs and strengthen the mechanism for resolving payment-related disputes in the Union Territory of Ladakh.