By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 21, 2019: Cyclone Fani has hit over 50,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), according to Ramesh Mohapatra, president of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI).

“MSME units in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur have been the worst victims. At a conservative estimate, 50,000 MSMEs have been affected by Fani. The extent of loss of production and properties will be more than Rs 4,000 crore,” Mohapatra told Bizodisha.com.

In order to revive the cyclone hit units, UCCI has sought easing of interest rates on loans, relaxation on application of GST and partial waiver of loan and grant of subsidy for reviving MSMEs hit by the cyclone.

In a letter to chief minister Naveen Patnaik, the industry body has urged for waiver of demand charges on electricity bill for at least a month and electricity duty exemption for a minimum of three months. Besides, it has sought grant of rehabilitation subsidy for MSME units.

UCCI in the letter also urged the government to prevail upon the banks to recast loans, waive interest for at least three months, and sanction required funds to MSME units for restoration.

UCCI also has sought for enhancement of capital investment subsidy to Rs 1 crore under the agriculture policy for restoration and reconstruction of layer poultry farms devastated by the cyclone.