The Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) was established in 1948 by the Government of India to provide long-term financing to industries facing scarcity of capital. IFCI is the first development financial institution in India and provides medium to long term credit to public and private manufacturing companies. It has played a key role in modernizing Indian industry by providing funds to sectors like agriculture, basic goods, infrastructure and services. Over the years, IFCI has sanctioned over Rs. 462 billion to more than 5,700 companies, contributing significantly to India's industrial growth.