New Delhi, Jan 14 (KNN) Like any other state, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Punjab are also eying the forthcoming budget with a hope to breathe a sigh of relief amid crippled economic scenario in the country.

To know their (MSMEs) pre-budget wish list, KNN India spoke to a few Industries Associations in Punjab, where it emerged that despite recent steps taken by the Center, MSMEs based here are not satisfied.

Expressing bit disappointment with the steps like Goods and Services (GST) and less collection in the same, Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association (FOPSIA), President Badish Jindal said that at present expecting anything from this budget will be a foolish thing to do.

''Expecting, anything from the budget will a foolish thing to do. If we look at the financial status of the government, it wouldn't be wrong to say that at present they will not be in a mood of giving something to industries,'' he told KNN over phone.

''RBI is empty, there is a budget deficit, the GST collection is down and the scenario that we have witnessed so far, how can you expect a big relief from the government. These days budget doesn't have much to present because many thing is being decided by GST council, if we leave the direct taxes,'' he added.

He further suggested government to focus on tax exempted sectors like agriculture and others adding that, only putting tax on industries won't do. We need to levy tax all the sectors.''

Jindal also said that MSMEs' budget should be increased from 5000 crore so that more small industries can cover under that and they will get more share from the budget.

''According government there are 6.5 crore MSMEs in the country. If you divide these MSMEs by 2000 crore, then you come to know that each MSMEs will get Rs 200 to 300 because other 3000 crore government spends on their administrative works,'' he asserted.

Due increment in fiscal deficit, government is worried because by hook or crook they have to bear the expenses in order to run the country, he said adding that ''money comes from the industries, but at present industries is down. So, to what extent government will squeeze this sector (industries).''

Meanwhile, Mohali Industries Association (MIA) remained optimistic and said that our expectation are very high but it’s up to government to see if they come up with MSME friendly schemes.

''Our expectations are very high and basically we want stability. If stability will come then economy will improve, whether the stability comes in social administration or economic administration,'' MIA president Yogesh Sagar said.

He also said that due to the ongoing protest CAA and NRC our International investments have been stopped. This affecting our businesses.

He further asserted that being MIA president, I expect government to bring out some good schemes for the MSME industrialist.

''Government must come up with good schemes for the MSME industrialist. We don't want subsidies, but for international competition we need help technical aspects,'' he asserted.

Commenting on MSME budget he too were of the same view that budget should be increased, adding that ''their (government) schemes which has been going on is yet to be fulfilled.''     

He further demanded to that stability must be brought in in steel prices which keeps on fluctuating and there must be freight corridor because it hampers MSMEs a lot while transporting goods.

''Centre keeps on saying that subsidies will give on transportation but so far noting has been given,'' he added.

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