Surat: A first-of-its-kind pre-hearing conclave for MSME payment disputes in Gujarat helped resolve 425 cases involving settlements worth about Rs 10.25 crore, offering buyers and sellers a chance to settle dues before formal legal proceedings begin.The Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC), Surat, operated by the District Industries Centre, organised the MSME Hearing and Resolution Conclave 2026 on Friday at The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in Sarsana.The conclave aimed to speed up resolution of disputes related to payments owed to micro and small enterprises.“The conclave was organized at the pre-MSEFC hearing stage, before the initiation of regular legal proceedings before the council,” said J B Dave, general manager, District Industries Centre.The event provided a common platform for both parties to appear in person, submit representations and supporting documents, and explore mutually agreed settlements through discussion before entering the formal adjudication process.Under the usual dispute-settlement mechanism, a case proceeds after the applicant, or seller, completes the filing process, following which notice is issued to the respondent, or buyer. The conclave was introduced as an early-resolution mechanism for outstanding payments.A total of 2,171 cases from the South Zone districts of Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Tapi, Valsad and Dang, listed on the Samadhaan system, were taken up during the event. Of these, 425 cases were resolved through mutual consent, resulting in settlements worth approximately Rs 10.25 crore.Participants were given an opportunity to present claims, payment records, invoices, contracts and other supporting documents.The initiative was aligned with the MSMED Act, 2006, which provides safeguards for timely payments to MSMEs and prescribes interest on delayed payments. Applicants whose cases remained pending due to incomplete documentation received guidance through a QR code-based facility containing checklists, filing instructions, prescribed formats and other requirements.Participants were also briefed about the ODR-MSME portal, which has replaced the Samadhaan portal for online filing of cases. Officials said QR code-based access to filing requirements was introduced to help applicants submit complete and accurate documentation.
