After Covid setback, MSMEs owed Rs 10.7 trn in pending dues: Report

The share of micro and small enterprises stood at Rs 8.73 trillion, 80 per cent of the total pending amount

India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are owed pending dues worth Rs 10.7 trillion at the end of 2021, said a report by the Indian Express on Monday about a sector that was among the worst affected in the coronavirus pandemic.

The delays in payments are from private customers, government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), the report said. Micro and small enterprises are owed Rs 8.73 trillion, or 80 per cent of the total pending amount. 'Micro' industries are worst hit. with 65.73 per cent of their payments being delayed. 

In 2020, then MSME minister Nitin Gadkari said