‘It’s a struggle’: the small business owners trying to survive coronavirus lockdown

“India has 51 million small and medium businesses and they employ about 120 million people. (SMBs) account for 37 percent of India's $2 trillion GDP. Always felt very proud as a women entrepreneur to be part of this group but today I wonder what will happen if the lockdown continues and how I will support my team,my business and my family.

At this stage due to lockdown we are all facing major problems, like paying high rents,salaries, electricity and water bills ,taxes etc.Even though we are not earning any money it is expected that we pay and take care of all these expenses on our own. It feels like our oxygen supply has now been cut. We need life-support: to keep us going until the lockdown ends. 

We request the Central and respective state governments to come forward to support us.Sign my petition asking the Government of India to rescue small scale businesses by providing them financial aid ,introducing unemployment pay cover and waive of rent and other dues for the lockdown period.These simple measures will ensure that we are open for you once COVID-19 is behind us.

Remember, there is strength in numbers. If we are loud enough, the government will hear us. 

Stay safe, stay healthy, and thank you for raising your voice with me, 

Vandana Aroraa