New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Delayed payments and limited access to formal credit are among the major challenges the country's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been grappling with, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament on Thursday.

As per the Survey, an estimated Rs 8.1 lakh crore remains locked in delayed payments for the MSME sector impacting their growth. It highlighted the dilemma of MSMEs as regards recovering its dues by taking legal route.

"When an MSME files a delayed payment case against a buyer, it may strain or even damage the business relationship. Buyers may perceive the filing as an adversarial step and may stop placing new orders or discontinue the partnership altogether," the Survey expla...