University of Madras to offer free consultation to revive MSME, unorganised sectors

Around 20.13 lakh entrepreneurs have registered as Small Scale Industries (SSI), providing employment to about 128.91 lakh persons with total investment of Rs 2,23,783.75 crore as of 2020. With most of the MSMEs and unorganised sector units in the State in dire straits due to the lockdown, experts from the Department of Management Studies, University of Madras, have come forward to give free consultancy to the affected businesspersons, sources from the MSME Department said

The experts would answer queries and would also provide advice, assistance and implementation of technology to revive the industry. A senior management department staff from the university said that assistance would also be provided through mail if the owners of the MSMEs are located too far from the institution.

“Through the consultancy, the institution is aiming to enable MSMEs and unorganised business sector across the State to prepare proper schedule to get the benefits of the situation. We will also give tips for day-to-day operations, implementation of cost-cutting measures, improving the sales and post COVID-19 market demand for business restart schedule,” he said.

As most of the small business owners, especially in the southern region, are not aware of availing government’s welfare measures that were announced during lockdown period, experts would also create awareness among them on how to approach the right authorities.

According to him, the focus sector in MSMEs would be tourism and hospitality, media-entertainment, e-commerce and retail IT and ITeS business management, logistics and transportation, and professional services.