New Delhi, March 17 -- Delayed payments continue to pose a major challenge for micro and small enterprises, affecting their working capital and overall viability, the government informed the Rajya Sabha. Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje said delayed payments remain a key concern impacting the growth of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). According to data from the MSME Samadhaan Portal, a total of 2,56,892 cases involving Rs 55,244.26 crore had been filed by MSEs till December 2025. Of this, Rs 22,096.62 crore remains outstanding. Dues reported by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) on the portal stood at Rs 21,137.88 crore till February 2026, of which Rs 18,731.45 crore has been paid, leaving pending dues of Rs 2,40...