Chandigarh, Apr 25 (KNN) Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has sought special relief for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cottage industries immediately in the state.

“Incomes have reduced to zero due to the lockdown and the revenue of the entire MSMEs sector has come to a grinding halt. Despite this, the entrepreneur is constantly burdened with his workers’ salary, loan instalments, rent, commercial tax and fixed electricity bill with no support from the government. It seems as if the government has left them to fend for themselves,” Hooda said in a statement on Friday.

He also said the Small-Scale Industry Manufacturers Association has sent a memorandum to him as per which many of the industries are on the verge of closure and up to 40 percent of industries will shut down if they do not get government help soon.

“This can result in large-scale of unemployment. Therefore, it is important to consider the demands of these industries while there is still some time for recovery and special economic relief should be given to them,” he added.

He further said that MSMEs will also strengthen the economy of the country and the state.

''The entrepreneurs play a big role in building the state and the nation and this is the time for the government to stand with them,'' he added.