A Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs in and around Rajkot region

Twenty -Twenty match is well known for its uncertain and unpredictable nature in terms of score and winner. Similarly dawn of the year twenty -twenty can be considered as another name of uncertainty and unpredictability, the world is struggling with gigantic monster like the Covid-19 which has brought the entire world to the standstill. WHO has declared this virus a global pandemic covering over almost 195 countries. The virus is posing a serious threat to the global economy and can led to economic depression. A prolonged lockdown have adverse effect on the Indian economy as well. The more less has been incurred on the side of MSMEs. The virus eroding global supply chain and has stopped our journey as an eminent leader in this sector. MSME forms the backbone of the Indian economy this sector contributes about 45% of the manufacturing output, more than 40% of the export and over 28% of the GDP. It contributes 24.63% of the GDP from service, 6.11% of GDP from manufacturing, is going through tough phases. The SMEs act as panacea for Indian economy by creating increased number of jobs opportunities, supplying goods of all varieties and in turn boosting Indian economy. This paper tries to look into the impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs in and around Rajkot region of Gujarat. 250 industries were selected from the directories of different Industrial associations. A survey was conducted to know the impact of COVID--19 on their respective industries. A self made questionnaire was employed as the tool of the study with percentage as statistical technique in order to compare and analyse the data. Out of 250 industries,118 responded and explained the impact in details. The present article tries to throw a light on their different views, responses and problems being faced by them during lockdown period.