The Minister of State (MoS) for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) emphasised government efforts to support small businesses facing stress, describing a package of measures designed to maintain liquidity and protect employment. The minister explained that the priority was to avert large-scale disruptions to supply chains and production by ensuring timely credit and procurement support. The remarks framed the approach as collaborative, involving central and state agencies and financial intermediaries.

The minister outlined measures to expand access to timely finance for manufacturing and services units, with emphasis on working capital and receivables financing. The interventions were said to use government-backed facilities, bank lending and alternative finance channels to reduce the cost and time associated with borrowing. Administrative steps to streamline loan approvals and disbursals were indicated as part of efforts to ease cash flow pressures for enterprises across sectors.

Procurement support was described as a complementary pillar, with the government promoting greater participation of micro, small and medium enterprises in public and institutional sourcing. Measures to prioritise purchases from registered suppliers, to promote e-procurement platforms and to ensure faster payments to vendors were presented as ways to stabilise demand. The minister indicated engagement with buyer networks and industry associations to match supply capabilities with procurement requirements.

The minister dismissed reports of widespread shutdowns as inaccurate and sought to reassure stakeholders that essential economic activity was being safeguarded. The minister outlined steps to monitor the situation and to address bottlenecks through granular data collection and targeted interventions. An appeal was made for cooperation from lenders, buyers and state authorities to ensure continuity of production and employment while policymakers continued to review measures to support resilience.