MP Kartikeya Sharma Raises Critical Issues in Parliament
In a significant parliamentary intervention, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma from Ambala has brought to the forefront two pressing matters: the persistent problem of delayed payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the urgent need for official recognition and regulation of e-sports. His advocacy underscores a dual commitment to safeguarding India's economic backbone and harnessing the potential of the digital frontier for youth empowerment.
Addressing the MSME Payment Crisis
Through a starred question in the Rajya Sabha, Sharma sought detailed clarity from the government on the status of pending dues owed to MSMEs by large corporates, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), and various government departments. He emphasized that timely payments are the lifeline for these enterprises, crucial for maintaining financial stability and protecting employment across the nation.
The government responded with a comprehensive, data-driven reply, revealing that out of a total of Rs 17,400.13 crore payable by CPSEs to MSMEs, an amount of Rs 14,744.54 crore has already been disbursed. As of February 4, 2026, the outstanding dues stand at Rs 2,655.60 crore. Year-wise details of pending cases and amounts on the MSME Samadhaan Portal for the last three years were also tabled, providing transparency into the scale of the issue.
Government's Robust Mechanisms for Timely Payments
To combat delayed payments, the government outlined a multi-faceted approach combining legal, financial, and technological measures. Strict enforcement provisions include allowing income-tax deductions for payments delayed beyond 45 days only upon actual payment and mandating half-yearly disclosures of outstanding MSME dues by companies. Under the MSMED Act, delayed payments attract compound interest at three times the RBI bank rate, calculated monthly.
For faster dispute resolution, a digital online dispute resolution system has been implemented, ensuring all new delayed payment cases are filed online. This system enhances process efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, to address working capital constraints faced by MSMEs, the government reported significant expansion in invoice financing through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) over the past three years.
Budget announcements have made TReDS mandatory for CPSEs, provided credit guarantees for invoice discounting, and enabled the linking of government procurement data with financial institutions. Further initiatives include credit-linked subsidies, equity funding support, enhanced credit guarantee limits, higher loan limits for exporter MSMEs, and customised credit cards for micro enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal.
Sharma's Call for Continuous Oversight
Welcoming the government's response, MP Kartikeya Sharma highlighted that MSME failures often stem from cash flow disruptions rather than a lack of capability. He stressed that only strict enforcement, transparent systems, and easy access to finance can protect jobs and strengthen supply chains. Sharma advocated for continuous parliamentary oversight and data-driven policymaking to empower MSMEs, ensuring they remain a strong backbone of India's economy.
Pushing for E-Sports Recognition and Regulation
During Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Sharma also urged the government to grant official sport status to e-sports and formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gaming. He argued that this issue is closely linked to youth employment, the digital economy, and child safety, transcending mere entertainment.
Describing electronic gaming as a fast-growing digital frontier, Sharma noted that India's creative economy, valued at around USD 30 billion, employs nearly 8 percent of the working population. This sector is a key pillar of the government's goal to achieve a USD 1 trillion digital economy. India boasts the world's largest gaming audience, with over 500 million amateur gamers and several lakh professional players. The Indian gaming market, currently worth USD 3.7 billion, is projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2030, while the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics (AVGC) sector will require nearly 20 lakh skilled professionals.
Balancing Opportunities and Risks
Sharma emphasized that official recognition of e-sports would enable structured professional leagues, recognized competitions, and organized training, creating credible career options for youth. However, he also warned against the dangers of unregulated online gaming, citing clinical studies linking excessive gaming to addiction, anxiety, depression, and cases of self-harm among children.
Calling child safety a moral responsibility, Sharma sought mandatory game audits and a holistic regulatory framework covering development, publishing, and streaming platforms. He welcomed the Union Budget proposal to set up AVGC labs in 15,000 schools, terming it a positive first step towards nurturing talent and ensuring responsible growth in the sector.
Through these interventions, MP Kartikeya Sharma has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for both traditional economic pillars and emerging digital industries, urging balanced policies that foster growth while mitigating risks.
