NEW DELHI: In a scathing critique, Congress accused the BJP-led central government of failing to address the woes of the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector, which is still reeling from the impact of demonetisation and GST. The party pointed out that the government's neglect had resulted in the closure of about 20,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises over the last three years, a figure far worse than what was officially acknowledged.

Congress General Secretary, Jairam Ramesh, took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the government's focus seemed to be exclusively on benefiting its chosen capitalist allies while disregarding the backbone of the nation's economy – the MSMEs. He emphasized that these enterprises had been left to fend for themselves and stressed the need for immediate action to revive the sector, as it could have been a significant source of employment for the youth and a pillar for the country's economic growth.

"The MSME sector is still grappling with the repercussions of demonetisation and GST, and the government's efforts to assist it have been far from sufficient," Ramesh remarked. He further criticized the government's approach, which has led to the MSMEs' sorry state, aptly describing it as the "so-called Amrit Kaal," a period of stagnation and decline.

The Congress has been vociferous in its condemnation of the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8, 2016. Additionally, the party has raised concerns over the faulty implementation of the GST, holding the government responsible for the hardships faced by the MSMEs.

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