Data of the past several weeks is showing a declining trend in covid cases in Arunachal Pradesh. This is nothing short of celebratory news— for citizens, state machinery and especially healthcare professionals who have been fighting a long battle against a highly infectious virus.

The covid pandemic caused humanitarian crisis is unlike anything we have seen before. Since March 2020, when the nation-wide lockdown was announced, almost 17-months have passed; the long battle with an unrelenting virus has wreaked havoc on people’s lives and the economy. Businesses have literally come to a standstill and small businesses have been the worst-hit.

A survey, conducted by data firm Dun & Bradstreet in April this year has shown that 82 per cent of small businesses have experienced a negative impact due to the covid pandemic. While we don’t have Arunachal specific data, it is amply clear that businesses here have been badly hit. The on & off lockdowns have impacted the economic front as demands disappear along with a dip in income generation.

Majority of businesses in Arunachal fall under the bracket of small businesses and the impact of covid has been devastating. With declining covid cases, Arunachal is slowly opening up but to undo the last seventeen months of catastrophe will be challenging. Business will take a long time to recover demand levels prior to covid.

While the state government has done a commendable role in managing the pandemic, it must also show concern for the equally pressing crisis among the business community. The desperation among the business fraternity is palpable.

Entrepreneurs are hoping for support and measures including government initiatives. It will help if the government makes way for some sort of credit facility for businesses to tide over the situation which can aid in their revival. The state government must eliminate Red Tape and facilitate timely clearance of bills and outstanding payments due to business houses. These are extraordinary times and need genuine handholding.

The revival of any economy is determined by the strength of the recovery of small businesses. The government of Arunachal Pradesh must not turn a blind eye to a wounded business community.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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