I’m not just a file number. I’m India’s future entrepreneur.
💥 “Dear Banker, I’m Not Asking for Charity—Just a Fair Chance”
A New Entrepreneur’s Struggle (and Victory) for the Jansamarth Mudra Loan
Starting a business in India is like attempting a high jump over invisible hurdles—and the Mudra loan, offered under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), is supposed to be that springboard for aspiring entrepreneurs like me. But my first experience? Frustrating. Exhausting. Infuriating.
"As a new entrepreneur, full of fire and ideas, I walked into the bank with dreams—and walked out invisible".
😤 The Problem: No Udyam = No Loan?
Like many others, I applied for the Shishu category (loans up to ₹50,000) via the Jansamarth Portal, expecting a smooth digital experience. What followed was a cycle of deferrals and closed doors.
- “You have no business vintage. Come after one year.”
- “Get a guarantor or a running business account.”
- “Go to another branch, we don’t do Mudra loans anymore.”
But isn’t the whole idea of Mudra to kickstart micro businesses? How am I supposed to have a history if I’m just starting?
🚧 The Reality Behind the Desk
The truth is, many bank officials avoid approving new entrepreneurs due to:
- Fear of NPAs (non-performing assets)
- Zero incentives for disbursing small loans
- Preference for salaried or existing business clients
And while the portal is digital, the approval is very much manual. Which means bias creeps in.
🔥 Resolution: How I Made It Work
I didn’t give up. Instead, I turned my rage into a checklist:
- Udyam Registration: I got my MSME certificate through the Udyam portal. It added legitimacy.
- Business Plan: I prepared a one-pager with expected costs, revenue projection, and repayment logic.
- Applied via Multiple Banks: I didn’t rely on one. I applied to 4 banks via Jansamarth and followed up persistently.
- Escalated Smartly: I filed a grievance on Jansamarth’s portal and mentioned the bank’s branch name, officer, and behavior—complete with screenshots.
- Local MSME Office Helped: I contacted my local District Industries Centre (DIC). They intervened after my third complaint.
- Social Media Pressure: One tweet tagging @DFS_India and @PMOIndia with my complaint and application number—suddenly, I got a call from the branch manager.
🙌 Finally, A Sanction
After 47 days, 3 grievance forms, and tons of persistence—I received approval for ₹48,000 under the Shishu Mudra loan. No guarantor. No collateral.
The bank’s tone? Quite different this time.
💡 Pro Tips for Fellow Entrepreneurs
- Always apply with a business current account. Even if it’s new.
- Follow up every 4 days—in person or by email. Be polite but assertive.
- If rejected, get it in writing. It helps escalate.
- Use digital leverage: Email, tweet, tag, escalate.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Jansamarth Mudra loan is a lifeline—but only if you fight for it. The process may be bureaucratic, but persistence pays off. I wasn’t asking for sympathy—I was demanding access to what’s rightfully promised.
To every banker who shrugged me off: I’m not just a file number. I’m India’s future entrepreneur. And I’m just getting started.
🛠️ Bonus Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Applying for Mudra Loans
📌 1. Build Financial Discipline Early
Even before revenue starts flowing:
- Open a dedicated current account for your business
- Maintain basic bookkeeping using tools like Zoho Books or even Excel
- Show monthly expenses—even small—so lenders see activity
📌 2. Know Your Scheme Inside-Out
Before walking into the bank, be the most informed person in the room:
- Know the 3 Mudra categories: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun
- Understand loan limits, interest rates, and repayment periods
- Read FAQs on jansamarth.in
📌 3. Dress (and Talk) the Part
Perception matters. Walk in with:
- A basic pitch deck or business brochure (printed!)
- Clear, confident articulation of your business idea
- A firm handshake and composed tone—it builds credibility instantly
📌 4. Leverage Support Networks
Don’t go solo:
- Approach local Startup India or MSME help desks
- Join WhatsApp or Telegram groups for first-gen entrepreneurs
- Consult your district’s Stand-Up India facilitator
📌 5. Turn Rejection Into Documentation
Every “no” can become leverage:
- Always ask for written clarification on rejections
- Maintain email trails—they show effort when you escalate
- Submit grievances with attachments (screenshots, PDFs)
📌 6. Get Testimonials or Referrals
Got a client or mentor? Ask for a short testimonial letter:
- It shows social proof to banks
- Even a letter from a local NGO, self-help group, or society helps
📌 7. Create a Digital Presence
Even a single-page website or Instagram business account adds weight:
- Banks love “visible” businesses
- Show that you're serious about your brand
📌 8. Don’t Undersell Yourself
Asking for ₹50,000? Treat it like a ₹50 lakh pitch:
- Display your plan with clarity, not desperation
- Never plead—present
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