Govt may roll out Corporate Mitra programme by June; nine-month training model under discussion

The Corporate Mitra programme was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27

• Corporate Mitra programme to launch by May-end or June
• Aims to train individuals to support MSMEs in compliance tasks
• Open to graduates from any discipline, with portal-driven rollout

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The government is likely to roll out the Corporate Mitra programme as early as May-end or June, with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) currently working on operational guidelines following inter-institutional consultations, according to a source aware of the development.

“The Corporate Mitra programme is likely to be rolled out around May-end or June, based on current discussions. The idea is to create a support layer for MSMEs, particularly for bookkeeping and basic compliance work. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has already held preliminary meetings and is now working on the guidelines. A nine-month training structure is among the models being examined, and inputs have been sought from the professional institutes,” the source said on February 18.

The Corporate Mitra programme was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen compliance and professional support frameworks for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“The central policy thought is to create a trained pool of individuals who can serve MSMEs, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities where access to professionals may be limited,” he said.

Policy framework taking shape

“ICAI has shared inputs with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on Corporate Mitra. We have sent preliminary suggestions,” ICAI president Prasanna Kumar D said.

“The Corporate Mitra initiative will primarily function as a training-linked capacity-building programme. The detailed guidelines will have to be finalised,” the ICAI president said.

Post-training, candidates are expected to undergo an examination and certification process.

“Following the training, the candidates may get interested in becoming a chartered accountant and could even enrol for the course,” he pointed out.

The ICAI is also setting up a Committee on Corporate Mitras to take forward institutional aspects of the initiative.

Eligibility 

“A graduate from any discipline — science, arts, or business administration — should be able to join. The objective is to build employability through practical compliance-oriented skills,” the ICAI president said.

“This is being seen as an employment-generating and capacity-building exercise. The intention is to train individuals who can support small businesses in meeting basic commercial and regulatory requirements,” he added.

MSME support and bookkeeping focus

The Corporate Mitra programme is expected to be positioned as a grassroots support mechanism for MSMEs, especially in smaller cities and towns.

“Any commercial establishment today requires bookkeeping and compliance support. Even with improvements in ease of doing business, a significant number of procedural requirements remain. Corporate Mitras are expected to address these basic needs,” he observed.

“The training will cover foundational areas such as bookkeeping and minimum compliance responsibilities. The aim is to make such services available at an affordable price point for MSMEs and small business units,” he added.

Portal-driven 

Another key feature under consideration is a technology-driven deployment architecture intended to minimise discretion and ensure scalability.

“The programme is expected to be portal-driven, with minimal human intervention. This ensures transparency, uniformity, and scalability in training and deployment,” the ICAI president said.

The MCA’s final guidelines are expected to clarify operational issues such as accreditation, training providers, certification standards, and the precise role of professional institutes.

“Government will facilitate professional institutions such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) to design short-term, modular courses and practical tools to develop a cadre of ‘Corporate Mitras’, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III towns. These accredited paraprofessionals will help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) meet compliance requirements at affordable costs,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said in the Union Budget 2026–27 presented on February 1.