Mohali, Apr 3 (KNN) The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing the dual trouble of Corona scare as well as locked down businesses and are now reaching out to their respective state governments urging to extend some relief measures to them to help them survive this crisis.

In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary Punjab & Principal Secretary I&C Punjab, Vini Mahajan, Mohali Industries Association (MIA) has requested for deferment of some payments that are under the ambit of state government.

The association voicing demand of MSMEs in the region said, "Since the factories are lying closed from March 22, 2020 onwards and there is no production, we request you to kindly allow the industry to pay the fixed charges/ minimum charges along with the actual power consumption charges for all category industries."

Further, MIA President Yogesh Sagar wrote that owing to the current production losses, PF and ESI contributions should be waived off for the next three months.

"The State Government should compensate the MSMEs to balance the shortfall," the letter said.

With regards to the salary and wages of the employees, MIA said, "Industry would be committed to pay full salary to all workers for the lockdown period but would like to restrict it to workers who are drawing salary up to Rs15,000. Also we may be allowed to adjust the loss of work during the lockdown period against overtime wages or against compensatory holidays once the lockdown is over."

Further, for employees and staffs drawing salaries more than Rs 15,000, MIA urged the government to allowe them to pay 50 per cent salary to these employees for the lockdown period or the maximum amount as directed by the Labour Department. (KNN Bureau)