Implications of Policy Initiatives for MSMES amid Economic Disruptions Caused by COVID-19

Abstract

days—from March 2020 till 14 April 2020—to minimize the spread of COVID-19, with relaxation in a few economic activities pertaining to essential commodities and services. People were confined within their homes because of the restrictions on movement. All transport services were suspended, excluding transportation of essential goods, fire and emergency services, and police and civil defence. It resulted in the closure of nearly all factories and services, which severely affected the economic activities in the country. It also led to the shutting down of the majority of the economic activities (both production and distribution), causing disruptions in supply chains in the economy. It severely affected firms, particularly small enterprises, and millions of people. Although the pandemic has affected all firms irrespective of their size,