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Tata Capital > Blog > What is a GECL loan? Full form, benefits, eligibility, and key details

बिज़नेस के लिए लोन

जीईसीएल लोन क्या है? पूरा फॉर्म, लाभ, पात्रता और मुख्य विवरण

What is a GECL loan? Full form, benefits, eligibility, and key details

जब कोविड-19 महामारी ने दुनिया को स्थगित कर दिया, तो कुछ बिज़नेस बुरी तरह से संघर्ष कर रहे थे. उनका कैश फ्लो सूख गया, लेकिन खर्च नहीं हुआ. बिज़नेस लोन भी मदद नहीं कर सकता था, क्योंकि वे पहले से ही मौजूदा लोन का पुनर्भुगतान करने के लिए परेशान कर रहे थे. जब GECL लोन स्कीम लाइफसेवर के रूप में आई. इसने 2020 से 2023 तक की कठिन अवधि के दौरान सैकड़ों भारतीय व्यवसायों को दिवालिया होने से रोका.

GECL स्कीम को विस्तार से समझने के लिए पढ़ते रहें, इसके प्रमुख उद्देश्य, विशेषताएं, लाभ, पात्रता मानदंड आदि.

GECL लोन स्कीम क्या है?

The GECL full form is Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line. It falls under the Government of India’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) and was launched in 2020 to support Micro, Small and Mid-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) affected by financial disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the GECL loan scheme, eligible businesses can avail of an additional credit facility to meet their day-to-day expenses. Unlike conventional business loans, GECL loans do not require any collateral or third-party guarantee. They are fully backed by a 100% government guarantee.

Evolution of the GECL/ECLGS scheme

The GECL scheme was first launched in May 2020. That was the time when businesses across India were grappling with an unprecedented economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as time passed and the scenarios changed, the government kept the provisions of the scheme. It expanded the scope of coverage, increased loan limits, and redefined eligibility guidelines.

These changes were not cosmetic; they were driven by real feedback from businesses that needed longer support to recover, stabilize operations, and regain confidence.

Below is a clear timeline of the different versions of the GECL loan scheme and how each one adapted to changing ground realities:

●      GECL 1.0

GECL 1.0 was the original version introduced in May 2020 to provide immediate relief to MSMEs. Under this phase, eligible businesses could avail of additional credit up to 20% of their outstanding loan (as on 29 February 2020), subject to a limit of Rs. 50 crores. The loans were fully guaranteed by the government, carried subsidized interest rates, and came with a moratorium period.

●      GECL 1.0 – Extended Version

As economic disruptions lasted longer than expected, the government slightly modified the original GECL 1.0 scheme to ensure more businesses can benefit from it. Under the GECL 1.0 Extended Version, eligible businesses were allowed to avail of additional credit of up to 30% of their outstanding loan (as on 29 February 2020 or 31 March 2021), subject to a limit of Rs. 50 crores.

●      GECL 2.0

The government introduced the second phase of the GECL scheme, GECL 2.0, to extend financial support to larger stressed businesses. These included MSMEs in 26 worst-hit sectors due to the pandemic, including hospitality, travel, and tourism. Under GECL 2.0, eligible businesses could avail of additional credit of up to 30% of their outstanding loan (as on 29 February 2020), subject to a limit of Rs. 500 crores.

●      GECL 2.0 – Extended Version

The extended version of GECL 2.0 further relaxed eligibility norms and timelines. It was designed to include more MSMEs that continued to struggle after the second wave of the pandemic. The loan limits, however, remained the same. Under the GECL 2.0 Extended Version, eligible businesses could avail of additional credit of up to 30% of their outstanding loan (as on 29 February 2020 or 31 March 2021), subject to a limit of Rs. 500 crores.

●      GECL 3.0

In the third phase of the GECL scheme, the government shifted its focus towards specific high-impact sectors, including civil aviation, hospitality, tourism, and healthcare. Loan limits were enhanced to up to 50% of outstanding credit (as on 29 February 2020), subject to a limit of Rs. 200 crores. The objective here was to ensure not just the survival but the revival of businesses.

●      GECL 3.0 – Extended Version

The extended version of the third phase of the scheme continued to cover the same sectors. However, the maximum loan limits were increased. Under the GECL 3.0 Extended Version, eligible businesses in the civil aviation sector were allowed to avail of additional credit of up to 50% of their outstanding credit (as on 29 February 2020, 31 March 2021, or 31 January 2022), subject to a limit of Rs. 400 crores.

●      GECL 4.0

The government launched the fourth and final phase of the GECL loan scheme on 31 May 2021. It focused on providing small-ticket loans to specific enterprises in the healthcare sector. Under GECL 4.0, collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 2 crores were offered to nursing homes, hospitals, private clinics, and medical colleges for the installation of oxygen-producing plants. The scheme also covered MSMEs engaged in the manufacturing of liquid oxygen and oxygen cylinders.

GECL scheme for MSMEs

The GECL scheme was introduced specifically to help struggling MSMEs in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to ensure quick and affordable access to finances for small businesses during difficult times. Due to the lockdown and resulting revenue losses, several enterprises faced a severe cash crunch and struggled to pay salaries, rent, and day-to-day expenses.

The primary objectives of the GECL loan scheme included:

  • Improving liquidity for MSMEs
  • Prevent business closures and job losses
  • Support business continuity and growth
  • Block the crippling impact of COVID-19

Top Features and Benefits of GECL Loans

GECL loans were designed to remove the usual hurdles that small businesses face while borrowing money. During uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, they needed access to funding that was reliable, affordable, and easy to get. GECL loans aimed to address all such needs. From being collateral-free to offering flexible repayment terms, they can help businesses fulfill cash flow gaps without adding unnecessary financial pressure.

Below are the key features and benefits that make GECL loans different from regular business loans:

●      Collateral-free loans

One of the major benefits of GECL loans is that they do not require any collateral or third-party guarantor. It means that eligible business owners can avail of these loans without pledging their personal or professional assets. The loan is completely backed by the Government of India, giving lenders the assurance of repayment.

●      Government-backed credit guarantee

जैसा कि बताया गया है, GECL लोन 100% सरकारी गारंटी के साथ आते हैं. यह लेंडिंग पार्टनर के लिए जोखिम को काफी कम करता है. अगर बॉरोअर लोन चुकाने में चूक करता है, तो सरकार नुकसान का भुगतान करेगी. बिज़नेस के लिए, इसका मतलब है फंड का तेज़ एक्सेस और सख्त लेंडिंग मानदंडों को पूरा करने के बारे में कम तनाव.

● फ्लेक्सिबल अवधि और पुनर्भुगतान की शर्तें

GECL लोन विस्तारित अवधि और फ्लेक्सिबल पुनर्भुगतान शर्तों के साथ प्रदान किए जाते हैं. पात्र उद्यम पांच वर्ष तक की पुनर्भुगतान अवधि के साथ वर्किंग कैपिटल लोन का लाभ उठा सकते हैं. इसके अलावा, वे मूल राशि के पुनर्भुगतान पर एक वर्ष के मोराटोरियम का लाभ उठा सकते हैं. यह सुविधा बिज़नेस को पहले कैश फ्लो को स्थिर करने और रेवेन्यू में सुधार होने पर ही पुनर्भुगतान शुरू करने में मदद करती है.

● प्रतिस्पर्धी ब्याज दरें

GECL लोन नियमित बिज़नेस लोन की तुलना में कम और सीमित ब्याज दरों पर प्रदान किए जाते हैं. यह इसलिए संभव है क्योंकि ये लोन सरकार द्वारा समर्थित हैं और केवल अधिकृत चैनलों के माध्यम से डिस्बर्स किए जाते हैं. कम उधार लागत यह सुनिश्चित करती है कि ब्याज भुगतान पहले से ही संघर्ष करने वाले एमएसएमई के सीमित लाभ को कम न करे.

● कोई गारंटी शुल्क नहीं और प्री-पेमेंट शुल्क नहीं

GECL लोन का एक अन्य प्रमुख लाभ यह है कि उधारकर्ताओं को फाइनेंस तक एक्सेस प्राप्त करने के लिए कोई गारंटी फी का भुगतान करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है. इसके अलावा, कोई प्री-पेमेंट दंड नहीं है. It means that the borrowing MSME can even repay the loan early if its financial situation improves, without incurring any additional charges.

Interest rates applicable to GECL loans

As mentioned, GECL loans typically come with subsidized and capped interest rates to ensure cost-effective borrowing for struggling MSMEs. The exact interest rate may vary based on multiple factors, including the lender’s policies, the borrower’s credit profile, and the type of institution offering the loan.

As per the GECL loan guidelines, the interest rates for loans offered under GECL 1.0 to GECL 3.0 were linked to the RLLR (Repo-Linked Lending Rate) or MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds-Based Lending Rate). There was a capping of 9.25% for banks and 14% for non-banking financial institutions. The interest rates for loans offered under GECL 4.0 are capped at 7.5%.

Eligibility Criteria for a GECL Loan

Since GECL loans are designed to support struggling MSMEs in India, they are offered with simple eligibility criteria. Typically, the business must fall within the prescribed turnover limits and should not have been classified as non-performing assets as of the cut-off date.

The detailed GECL loan eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • The business must have an outstanding loan from an MLI as of 29 February 2020.
  • The business must not be in default for more than 60 days.
  • The annual turnover of the business should not exceed Rs. 100 crores (for GECL 1.0). For GECL 2.0 and 3.0, this threshold is Rs. 250 crores.
  • The business must be operating in a sector impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The business must have an active GSTIN.

Loan amount available under the GECL scheme

The maximum loan amount available under the GECL scheme depends on the type of business and the respective scheme version. For example, eligible beneficiaries under GECL 1.0 were allowed to borrow up to 20% of their outstanding loan, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 crores.

The table below depicts the maximum loan amount available under each phase of the GECL scheme:

GECL PHASEअधिकतम लोन राशि
GECL 1.0₹10 करोड़
GECL 1.0 (Extension)₹15 करोड़
GECL 2.0₹150 करोड़
GECL 2.0 (Extension)₹150 करोड़
GECL 3.0₹100 करोड़
GECL 3.0 (Extension)₹200 करोड़
GECL 4.0₹2 करोड़

How to apply for a GECL loan?

To ensure business continuity, GECL loans are offered through an automatic mechanism. It means that the borrower is not required to apply for the credit separately. If eligible, the Member Lending Institution (MLI), which can be a bank or an NBFC, sends an offer letter to the borrower to provide additional credit under the GECL scheme. The borrower can choose to accept or reject the offer.

In case a business wants to accept the offer, here are the steps it can follow:

  1. Review the details of the additional credit available under the GECL facility.
  2. Provide consent to the MLI and fill out an application form.
  3. ज़रूरी डॉक्यूमेंट सबमिट करें.
  4. Upon successful verification, the loan amount is disbursed directly into the borrower’s bank account.

Documents required for GECL loan application

Since GECL loans are provided as top-ups over existing loans, they involve minimal documentation.

The documents required typically include:

  • A duly-filled GECL loan application form
  • अपडेट हो गया है KYC डॉक्यूमेंट बिज़नेस मालिक का
  • Business registration or ownership proof
  • Consent or undertaking for GECL loan
  • NOC (If the original loan was taken from a different lender)
  • Other documents as prescribed by the lender

Conclusion: Is a GECL loan right for your business?

The GECL loan scheme was initially introduced to provide additional funding to struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. With features such as collateral-free borrowing, government-backed guarantees, affordable interest rates, and flexible repayment terms, it helped many MSMEs stay afloat amid the difficult period.

Later, the GECL scheme evolved to provide small-ticket loans to enterprises in specific sectors. The last date for sanctioning and disbursing funds under GECL 4.0 was 30 June 2023. In case you have already availed of a GECL loan, it’s imperative to use the funds wisely and follow the original repayment structure. For any help or queries, you can contact your lending partner.

लोन के बारे में और जानें

सामान्य प्रश्न

GECL स्कीम के तहत लोन के लिए कौन पात्र है?

All MSMEs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and with outstanding loans are eligible for the GECL scheme. However, they must meet the prescribed annual turnover limits and should not have been classified as non-performing assets as of the cut-off date.  

GECL लोन स्कीम के लिए कौन से बिज़नेस अप्लाई कर सकते हैं?

Businesses operating in the worst-hit sectors due to the pandemic and with outstanding loans can apply for the GECL scheme. The identified sectors include hospitality, travel and tourism, civil aviation, and healthcare, among others.

GECL के तहत उपलब्ध अधिकतम लोन राशि क्या है?

The maximum loan amount available under the GECL scheme depends on the type of borrower and the version of the scheme. Eligible businesses are allowed to borrow up to 20% to 50% of their outstanding credit, subject to a maximum of Rs. 400 crores.

क्या GECL लोन स्कीम कोलैटरल-फ्री है?

Yes. GECL loans are completely collateral-free. It means that the borrowers are not required to pledge their personal or professional assets to qualify for additional funding. The loans are backed by a 100% government guarantee, which reduces the risk for lenders.

क्या GECL स्कीम के तहत कोई मोराटोरियम अवधि है?

Yes. GECL loans come with a moratorium period of one year, during which borrowers are not required to repay the principal amount. They can only pay the interest component during this period. Such an arrangement allows businesses time to stabilize cash flows before regular EMIs begin.

क्या MSME GECL लोन स्कीम के लिए पात्र हैं?

हां. GECL लोन स्कीम को भारत में कुछ सूक्ष्म, लघु और मध्यम आकार के उद्यमों (MSME) की मदद करने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है, जिन्हें कोविड-19 महामारी के कारण कैश-फ्लो संबंधी समस्याओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है. हालांकि, FY2019-29 के लिए MSME का वार्षिक टर्नओवर ₹100 करोड़ से अधिक नहीं होना चाहिए.  

GECL के तहत अप्रूवल प्राप्त करने में कितना समय लगता है?

GECL लोन प्री-अप्रूव्ड मैकेनिज्म के आधार पर प्रदान किए जाते हैं. इसका मतलब है कि पात्र एमएसएमई को फंडिंग के लिए कोई अलग अप्रूवल प्राप्त करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है. MLI ऑटोमैटिक रूप से इन बिज़नेस को ऑफर लेटर भेजते हैं, और वे ऑफर को स्वीकार या अस्वीकार करने का विकल्प चुन सकते हैं.  

क्या GECL लोन स्कीम के तहत प्री-पेमेंट की अनुमति है?

हां. GECL लोन स्कीम के तहत प्री-पेमेंट की अनुमति है. वास्तव में, उधारकर्ता बिना किसी प्री-पेमेंट शुल्क या दंड के लोन राशि का प्री-पेमेंट कर सकते हैं. अगर उनकी वित्तीय स्थिति में सुधार होता है, तो यह सुविधा बिज़नेस को बिना किसी संकोच के लोन को जल्दी बंद करने की अनुमति देती है.