New Delhi, Apr 11 (KNN) Union Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has taken stock of the measures for MSMEs, amid the coronavirus pandemic which has dealt a "huge blow" to the sector.

''In a structured discussion of over two and half hours, the Minister took stock of the steps taken in the background of the pandemic that has dealt a huge blow on the sector,'' an official release said on Thursday.

The measures announced by the Ministry of Finance and RBI so far were also discussed along with the action taken by Ministry of MSME to minimize the impact of COVID19 on MSME Sector.

The Minister stated that the country needs to brace for a dual war, one against COVID and the other on the economy front.

While praising the efforts made by the officers and field formations of the Ministry, he emphasized that all prescribed precautions on sanitization, social distancing and PPE have to be invariably followed.

He lauded MSMEs and said it playing an important role by providing the necessary medical items.

''Due to COVID19, the demand of medical items like Ventilator, PPE kits, mask and sanitizer have increased suddenly over last one month and MSME is playing an important role in filling the gap by increasing the production of these items,'' he said.

He said MSMEs engaged in these activities should be facilitated on priority.

Gadkari noted that the ministry could register highest ever utilisation of funds in absolute terms during 2019-20 under various schemes of the ministry.