MSMEs in Dakshina Kannada strive exemption from the lockdown restraints

The Kanara Industries Association (KIA) headquartered in Mangaluru, formerly identified as the Kanara Small Industries Association, has requested the Dakshina Kannada district administration to exclude MSMEs in the area from the prohibitions on lockdown.

Ajith Kamath, KIA President stated MSMEs in the area gradually restored their activities after the Centre's eased limits on lockdown. Most MSMEs currently function at a total minimum of 40% of their total efficiency and are gaining impetus slowly. Assuming that the region's manufacturing sector contributes about 26% to Karnataka's GSDP, he asked the district administration to allow industry dispensation from the restrictions on lockdown.

A closing at this point would not only impact on the availability but will also result in job reductions. It would also slash the GST collections, jeopardizing the State economy's rebound. He said this would also trigger inverse relocation of workers who have already started to return to the district.

"Throughout this, we are assured that the management will pursue examples from many other areas such as Chennai, Pune and Delhi where lockdown has been enforced but industries have been permitted to work with appropriate precautions, as the implementation of lockdown on the industries would seriously impact industrial development and limit initiatives to restore tranquillity," he added.

He requested the district administration to exclude industry from the lockdown and urged it to interact with industry stakeholders before implementing lockout protocols.

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Vipul Das is writing Business and Finance related articles over the years for goodreturns. He has done BCA and has significant experience in the banking and finance sectors.