New Delhi, Apr 3 (KNN) The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Punjab wants the new government which comes to power after elections to improve the ease of doing business environment for small sector in the state and also give attention to push the growth which the entrepreneurs said is at stand-still in the state.

With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, the political parties are making promises in their manifestos and rallies while the different sectors are expressing their expectations from the new government elected to power.

KNN India spoke to MSME associations in Punjab to know what they want the new government to focus on.

Federation of Punjab Small Industries Association (FOPSIA), President, Badish Jindal

Speaking about the challenges faced by the MSMEs, he said, “Whenever a new government comes to power and make changes in the policies and frameworks, the entire pressure and burden passes down to the industry.”

He said Punjab industries are facing a lot of challenges especially when it comes to ease of doing business (EoDB) environment in the state. “It is very hard for any new industry or Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to start their venture here. It is totally opposite of what we call EoDB.”

Every now and then new departments are formed and from April 1 cash transaction charges in banks are taking place which would have a negative impact on the industries, he said.

Jindal said, “I expect the government to reduce the taxes because with increase in taxes, the burden on industries also increases which further serves as a disadvantage and becomes a hindrance in the growth of industries."

He suggested that the government should re-consider the challenges and issues faced by MSMEs to improve the situation of industries in Punjab.

There should also be a systematic application of the regional policies formed by the government for industries to thrive the maximum benefit out of it, he said.

The FOPSIA President also mentioned that the government should focus more on the problems of MSMEs as it is the only sector in India from where government can collect maximum taxes because other major sectors like agriculture etc are not doing so well.

Northern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President, Arvind Rai

Talking about the issues of Punjab industries, he said that there has been no development in the industry, it’s been years and the problems remain the same.

Requesting the government to look into their problems, he said, “We request the government to provide financial help to the MSMEs as nothing can be done without financial investment.”

He further added, “We also request the new government to increase the communication of industries directly with the officials sitting on higher posts as officials on lower posts do not listen to us and make false promises.”

He said, “The policies that were formed earlier should also be renewed and there should be someone to work as a watchdog to check whether these policies are truly implemented or not.”

Adding to the above statement, Rai said before making any changes in the policies or formulating them, the government should take recommendations from various associations to know the truth and problems faced at the ground level.

“We expect government to give hand-holding support to the industries and increase ease of doing business,” he concluded. (KNN/JM)