At present, there are 18 SFCs (including TIIC which was set up as a company) in existence for more than 40 years and operate as Regional Development Banks. The SFCs have played an important role in the evolution and growth of small and medium scale industries in their respective states. They provide financial assistance to industrial units by way of term loans, direct subscription to equity, guarantees, etc. Over the years SFCs have expanded their activities and coverage of assistance.
One-Man Committee set up by RBI under the Chairmanship of former Secretary, SSI&ARI, to look into various problems regarding credit flow to SSI sector and support appropriate measures for their redressal has given the following recommendations in its report submitted to RBI which are being processed by them:-
- Restructuring of weaker SFCs by the Government.
- Funds for lending under Single Window Scheme by SFCs should be placed by SIDBI with the SFCs in adequate measures.
- Each SFC should get into an MOU with one or two Public Sector banks and participate in joint lending in which both term loan and working capital is provided jointly. For example, 80 per cent of the term loan could be given by SFC and 20 per cent by bank. In case of working capital which may be sanctioned at the same time as term loan, the proportion could be reversed, i.e., 80 per cent by bank and 20 per cent by SFC. However, the working capital account be managed and supervised by the bank through its specialised SSI branches.
- SIDBI should sign MOUs with the State Governments to provide some assistance to SFC prior to the approval of assistance packages by the Government of India/SIDBI.
- The staff of SFCs has to be adequately trained and SIDBI may be asked to make arrangements for this purpose.

