A meeting to review issues related to delayed payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism was held at the Conference Hall of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Leh, on September 2.

The meeting was chaired by Sonam Norbo, JKAS, Director, Industries & Commerce, Ladakh and Chairman, Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC).

Addressing the participants, the Director said the session was organised to sensitise officers about the MSME Samadhaan platform and statutory provisions concerning delayed payments to MSMEs. He stressed the need for timely clearance of outstanding dues by Government Departments and agencies and discussed mechanisms available for resolving payment-related disputes.

The meeting also deliberated on resolving delayed payment disputes through the ODR mechanism.

The Joint Director, MSME-DFO, Jammu, participated virtually and provided guidance on provisions related to delayed payments to MSMEs and the ODR mechanism.

Isha Agarwal, Consultant, MSE-ODR Scheme, Ministry of MSME, made a detailed presentation on the delayed payment framework and statutory safeguards available to MSMEs. She explained the statutory right to timely payment, payment obligations of buyers, interest applicable on delayed payments, the process of referring disputes to the MSEFC, the constitution and functions 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 measures for 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.

Agarwal further presented an overview of the MSME Online Dispute Resolution Portal, explaining its role in facilitating timely payments and providing a digital mechanism for dispute resolution. The presentation covered the Digital Guided Pathway (DGP), various stages of proceedings before the MSEFC and the role of the portal in enabling accessible and timely dispute resolution for MSMEs.

An interactive question-and-answer session was also held, during which participants raised concerns and discussed issues and challenges related to delayed payments.

Heads of Departments, concerned Accounts Officers and senior officials from various Government Departments attended the meeting. Officials stationed outside Leh participated virtually through Google Meet.

Representatives of the Chamber of Industries & Commerce from Leh and Kargil, along with MSME members, also participated and highlighted various issues and challenges faced by MSMEs concerning delayed payments and related disputes.

The meeting emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among Government Departments, agencies and other stakeholders to ensure timely payments to MSMEs and strengthen mechanisms for resolving payment-related disputes across the Union Territory of Ladakh.