Yes, MSME Samadhaan still exists in 2026 and continues to reflect and monitor delayed-payment cases already filed through it. However, businesses wishing to file a new delayed-payment claim are now directed to the new MSME ODR portal.

In simple terms: use Samadhaan to check older applications; use the ODR portal to file a new claim.

This is a narrower FAQ-style topic, so the article is kept within 600–1,000 words.

Has the MSME Samadhaan portal been closed?

No. The MSME Samadhaan portal has not simply disappeared or become legally irrelevant.

It was launched on 30 October 2017 to enable Micro and Small Enterprises to file and monitor delayed-payment applications against buyers. It also created a central database showing the number and value of claims filed across India.

In 2026, Samadhaan remains relevant for:

• applications previously filed through the portal;
• tracking older delayed-payment matters;
• viewing information relating to pending and disposed applications;
• monitoring the performance of Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Councils; and
• maintaining historical data on MSME delayed-payment disputes.

The important change is that the Samadhaan website now directs new delayed-payment applications to the MSME ODR portal.

Where should I file a new MSME delayed-payment claim?

A new claim should be filed through the official MSME ODR portal.

“ODR” means Online Dispute Resolution. The new portal was launched on 27 June 2025 and introduced a technology-enabled process intended to encourage early settlement between the supplier and buyer before the dispute becomes a fully contested proceeding.

The portal does not remove the Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council, commonly called the MSEFC. Where online settlement does not succeed, the dispute can continue under Section 18 of the MSMED Act, 2006.

Section 18 allows an eligible Micro or Small supplier to refer a delayed-payment dispute to the Facilitation Council. The Council first attempts conciliation—which means helping the parties reach a voluntary settlement. If conciliation fails, the dispute proceeds to arbitration for a binding decision.

What is the difference between Samadhaan and the new ODR portal?

Issue	MSME Samadhaan	MSME ODR portal
Primary role in 2026	Historical filing and monitoring system	Portal for new delayed-payment claims
New applications	Applicants are redirected to ODR	New claims are filed here
Older applications	May continue to be tracked through the existing system	Do not duplicate an old claim unless officially instructed
Resolution approach	Application forwarded for MSEFC action	Digital filing with structured online dispute-resolution features
Governing law	MSMED Act, 2006	MSMED Act, 2006
Final statutory forum	MSE Facilitation Council or appointed institution	MSE Facilitation Council or appointed institution

Therefore, the legal remedy has not been withdrawn. The Government has changed and expanded the digital system used to pursue it.

What happens to a claim already filed on Samadhaan?

If you already filed a claim on Samadhaan, do not automatically file the same invoices again on the ODR portal.

First:

1. check the status of the existing Samadhaan application;
2. note its application or reference number;
3. contact the concerned Facilitation Council if no movement is visible;
4. check whether the application was accepted, rejected or kept pending for clarification; and
5. follow any official migration or refiling instructions issued for your particular matter.

Duplicate claims can create confusion about the amount, dates and forum. If an old application has remained pending for an unreasonable period, the correct step may be to pursue the concerned Council or seek an appropriate legal direction—not to conceal the previous filing and start again.

Have the legal rights under the MSMED Act changed?

No. Moving from Samadhaan to ODR does not remove the principal protections contained in the MSMED Act.

What is the maximum payment period?

Section 15 requires payment by the agreed date, but the written credit period cannot exceed 45 days from acceptance or deemed acceptance of the goods or services.

The 45-day period is an outer limit, not an automatic credit period in every case. If the purchase order requires payment within 30 days, the buyer should pay within 30 days.

What interest can be claimed?

Section 16 makes the buyer liable for compound interest with monthly rests at three times the RBI bank rate.

For example, if the applicable RBI bank rate is 5.50%, the statutory nominal annual rate becomes:

5.50% × 3 = 16.50% per annum, compounded monthly.

On an unpaid principal of ₹10,00,000, a six-month delay at that rate would generate approximately ₹85,400 in interest, subject to the exact due date, changes in the bank rate and any part-payments.

How quickly should the Council decide?

Section 18(5) states that every reference should be decided within 90 days from the date of making the reference.

This is a statutory target. It should not be treated as a guarantee that money will reach the supplier within exactly 90 days because scrutiny, service, adjournments and Council workload can affect the actual timeline.

Is the system producing results?

The volume of claims is substantial. According to the Government’s June 2026 data, the Samadhaan portal had received 2,56,892 applications involving approximately ₹55,244.29 crore. Of these, 58,148 cases had been disposed of by Facilitation Councils. See the Government’s June 2026 MSME report.

The new ODR system is intended to reduce the time and cost of resolution. However, a portal alone cannot guarantee fast recovery. Results still depend upon:

• proper scrutiny of the claim;
• accurate buyer details;
• sufficient proof of delivery or service completion;
• the supplier’s eligibility;
• timely notice to the buyer;
• Council capacity; and
• enforcement if an award is not voluntarily paid.

What should an MSME do in 2026?

For a new claim, use the ODR portal and keep the following ready:

• Udyam registration and classification history;
• purchase orders or agreements;
• invoices;
• delivery challans, e-way bills or service-completion evidence;
• ledger and payment details;
• emails or messages acknowledging the dues;
• buyer’s objections and proof of their resolution;
• demand notice; and
• invoice-wise principal and interest calculation.

Most importantly, file early. The Limitation Act, 1963 applies to Section 18 proceedings. Many payment claims are subject to a three-year limitation period, although the exact starting date and the effect of acknowledgements or part-payments depend upon the facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still log in to MSME Samadhaan?

The portal remains available, particularly for viewing and monitoring older applications. Its current functions may vary as the ODR system is implemented.

2. Can I file a fresh claim on both portals?

You should not duplicate the same claim. New applications are directed to the ODR portal, while an existing Samadhaan claim should be followed through its recorded reference and concerned Council.

3. Is ODR a private arbitration platform?

No. It is an official Ministry of MSME initiative connected with delayed-payment resolution under the MSMED Act.

4. Is the ODR portal only for online negotiation?

No. Early online settlement is an important feature, but an unresolved eligible dispute can proceed under Section 18 through conciliation and arbitration.

5. Can a Medium enterprise file a delayed-payment claim?

The special delayed-payment protection is principally for qualifying Micro and Small suppliers. A Medium enterprise should consider contractual arbitration, civil recovery or other available remedies.

6. Can a pure trader use the ODR portal?

Udyam registration alone may not be sufficient. Pure traders are generally not treated as protected “suppliers” for this delayed-payment remedy unless there is a genuine qualifying manufacturing or service activity.

7. What if the buyer is located in another state?

Section 18(4) generally permits the Council connected with the supplier’s location to deal with the dispute even when the buyer is situated elsewhere in India.

8. Does filing a complaint guarantee recovery within 90 days?

No. Ninety days is the statutory disposal target under Section 18(5), but actual recovery may take longer, particularly if the buyer contests the claim or an award requires enforcement.

About the author: Advocate Praveen Siinghhal is a Delhi-based lawyer with 25+ years of experience in MSME payment recovery, commercial disputes and business legal protection. He advises MSMEs and business owners on unpaid dues, legal notices, MSME Facilitation Council claims and recovery strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws, RBI bank rate, tax treatment, portal procedures and case law may change from time to time. Please verify the current position or consult a professional before acting on any specific claim.