Impact of COVID-19 in MSMEs sector
The lockdown hauled MSME owners, employers, and stakeholders in startling times, where no one was familiar to handle this sort
of circumstance. Lockdown because of the pandemic had negative impact on supply of
finished goods, availability of raw material and employees, and supply functions. MSMEs faced challenges associated with
obligation reimbursements, wages, statutory dues, etc.
Survey reports have shown that disturbance caused by the
Covid-19 has affected MSMEs revenue by 20-50%. Micro and small enterprises
faced maximum turmoil because of the liquidity crunch. Enterprises working in
necessary commodity business were marginally better in hindered but
predictable income. MSMEs located in remote areas also faced heaps of problems
Even
consumers had low disposable income. Several enterprises laid-off their employees
due to inability to pay salaries, emptied their offices due to expenses
incurred, and reduced their production due to halted demand. Obscurity in
future trade and bounce back of new normal is protecting financial institutions at
bay for boosting financial lending or cover potential risk. A push was required from the government as well as on its own to
stimulate market activities and bring back regular cash flow in the
economy.