WE are facing hard times but we need to remind ourselves that they are not permanent. There is no denying the fact that coronavirus has caused a severe blow to us not only from a nation’s perspective, but also from an individual’s point of view.

A common man is sure to face a crisis one after the other even if coronavirus is controlled. However, it requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy besides clarity in approach to take on this menace. To alleviate the current financial constraints of the people who work in small and medium-scale enterprises, we should start working towards the solutions.

One solution is to try to get money into the hands of small businesses immediately so they can retain their employees to control the rate of employment, which is bound to decrease after coronavirus is eradicated. This can happen only when we guarantee overdrafts to small and medium-scale enterprises who cannot pay their employees in these conditions.

This opportunity to overdraft must be given only to those who keep all employees on their roll. If this action is accompanied by political and administrative resolve, we are bound to achieve stability in the country quickly.

Gaurav Dev
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2020