CMAI has urged both central government as well as the states, to come up with innovative ways of protecting the interests of the workers without causing irreparable losses to the industry and possibly leading to massive financial bankruptcies in the MSME Sector.
In a recent survey conductead by CMAI, it was revealed that at least 20 per cent of its members believe they may consider closing down their business, unless some Government assistance is provided.
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), represents the domestic garment manufacturing industry, which is one of the highest employers after agriculture, directly employing close to 12 million employees, with close to 40 per cent being women.
More than 90 per cent of garment manufacturers in the country are in the MSME Sector, with more than half of these being in the Micro segment.
COVID-19 has plunged the industry into a crisis of unprecedented proportions, threatening the very survival of many of our smaller manufacturers.
The revenues of its members have come to a total halt for the last 30 days and are likely to remain so in the coming 60 to 90 days. On the other hand, the Government has issued advisories that enterprises must pay full salaries and wages to all workers, and that no employee should be out of employment.
Hence, in a situation where there is no income for such an extended period, it will be impossible for many of our smaller members to continue paying full salaries and wages, unless we receive some Government support.
