The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has urged the Gujarat government to provide relief to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by waiving or significantly reducing stamp duty on mortgage deeds executed for loans obtained under the Government of India’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0.
The appeal comes as ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and broader global economic uncertainties begin to affect industries across Gujarat. According to the chamber, rising logistics costs, supply chain disruptions, delayed payments and working capital constraints are placing increasing pressure on MSMEs, particularly in sectors such as textiles.
In a letter addressed to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, SGCCI President Ashokbhai Jirawala highlighted the challenges being faced by businesses amid disruptions to global trade, exports and supply chains. He noted that thousands of MSME units across Gujarat, including those in Surat, were struggling with higher production costs and market volatility.
The chamber stated that the ECLGS 5.0 scheme could serve as an important source of additional financial support and working capital for businesses navigating the current economic environment. However, obtaining loans under the scheme requires borrowers to mortgage assets, resulting in significant stamp duty costs on mortgage documents.
SGCCI argued that these charges are creating an additional financial burden for small and medium-sized enterprises at a time when the scheme is intended to provide relief. The chamber has therefore requested the state government to exempt ECLGS 5.0 loans from stamp duty or provide substantial concessions.
According to the chamber, such a measure would improve access to credit, strengthen the liquidity position of MSMEs and help ensure uninterrupted production despite prevailing global economic challenges. It also stated that the move would further reinforce Gujarat’s reputation as an industry-friendly state.
Copies of the representation have been sent to Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Dr Jayanti Ravi, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department T. Natarajan.
Jirawala expressed confidence that the state government would take a positive view of the proposal and adopt measures that would provide relief to millions of families dependent on the textile, diamond and broader MSME sectors, helping businesses navigate the current economic headwinds.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
