FICCI – Dhruva Covid-19 Business Impact Survey

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FICCI – Dhruva Covid-19 Business Impact Survey

April 21, 2020. The covid-19 pandemic is having a deep impact on the Indian economy and members of Indian industry. The magnitude and speed of collapse in economic activity that India has seen over the last few weeks is unprecedented and there is tremendous uncertainty about what the future holds for businesses and enterprises.

Almost 72% of the respondents to the FICCI – Dhruva survey have reported that covid-19 is having a ‘high to very high’ level of impact on their business. Further, a substantial majority of the respondents do not foresee a positive demand outlook for their business in this fiscal, with 70% of the surveyed firms expecting a degrowth in sales in the fiscal year 2020-21. A vast majority also foresee a reduction in their business cashflows and company’s order book. The survey clearly highlights that unless a substantive economic package is announced by the government immediately, we could see a permanent impairment of a large section of industry, which may lose the opportunity to come back to life again. Jobs are also at risk over the coming months as nearly three fourths of the surveyed firms said that they may look at some reduction in manpower in their respective companies.

These findings were revealed in a joint nationwide survey of businesses conducted by FICCI and Dhruva Advisors over the last week. The survey was conducted to elicit how enterprises are getting impacted in terms of their business operations; what steps are being planned to maintain business continuity; what is their outlook for business in the FY 2021 and what are their expectations from the government in this hour of crisis. The survey saw participation from almost 380 companies from across sectors and has thrown up some very important results and insights that should be useful for the policymakers as they plan for the next steps of their integrated approach to support Indian industry.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Dr. Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said “The covid-19 pandemic is causing deep economic harm and could reverse the gains made in the industrial economy over many decades. There is a need to render immediate and sizable support to industry to protect people, jobs and enterprises. Industry members are reeling under severe financial stress and are in urgent need of ample liquidity to ensure business continuity. We are hopeful that the government will introduce a series of measures in quick succession to support demand ensure business continuity. This would be a confidence booster and we hope sentiment will improve following the economic package”.

Mr Dinesh Kanabar, CEO, Dhruva Advisors said “The broad-based survey shows the deep impact that Covid-19 is likely to leave on the Indian economy in the short to medium term. Clearly, the plans prepared by businesses on fund-raising, investments and expansion are being pushed back. Businesses will focus on cost optimisation and supply chain management. There is a significant expectation from the Government for a financial stimulus and providing liquidity, including by way of tax refunds and cheaper credit, so that the economy returns to normalcy faster.

The other notable findings the survey has thrown up includes the impact covdi-19 has had on companies’ expansion plans. Results show that in respect of approved expansion plans, 61% expect to defer such expansions for a period upto 6 or 12 months, while 33% percent expect to defer approved expansion plans for more than 12 months. Further, while 60% of the surveyed firms have deferred their fund-raising plans for the next 6-12 months, nearly 25% of the firms have shelved the same.

With domestic demand plummeting to record low levels, companies were hoping that exports may provide an outlet for them to energise growth. While 43% of the surveyed firms reported that they do not foresee an impact on exports, nearly 34% said that exports would take a hit by more than 10%.

As companies battle the financing constraints, all measures have been placed on the table to optimize their costs. Survey results show that the cost optimization measures being considered by firms include manpower rationalization, salary rationalization (especially at senior and middle management-level), appraisals/ increments/ bonuses deferral, reduction in discretionary expenses, freezing recruitments, etc.

69% of the respondents believe additional measures/ packages should be announced by the government on account of Covid-19 impact. The key expectations from the government is for tax reliefs/ incentives, ease of compliances, and demand creation. Specific support sought from the government and central bank include measures like increase in MEIS/ SEIS rates, releasing pending payments – tax refunds, arbitration awards, additional working capital from banks without collateral to enable business continuity, further cuts in lending rates.

Given the dynamic situation and rapid developments in the business and economic sphere, FICCI and Dhruva Advisors will repeat this survey in another four weeks to assess how the situation is changing.

Industry is confident that we will win the battle against Covid-19. FICCI is committed to work with the industry and the government to ensure the resumption of economic activity, business continuity and growth. These goals will require banks, government and industry to work together and creatively craft our future roadmap. The banks should be enabled to lend again, with the need for the RBI to give permission to banks to do a one-time restructuring of all advances and loans. At the same time, the Hon’ble Finance Minister can give a sovereign guarantee to Banks for 40% of new loans & advances up to 20% of their existing limits. As the government has taken significant measures to safeguard the country health wise and food security wise, it is now time to focus on the economy.

About FICCI

Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India’s struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies.  A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India’s business and industry. From influencing policy to encouraging debate, engaging with policy makers and civil society, FICCI articulates the views and concerns of industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies. FICCI provides a platform for networking and consensus building within and across sectors and is the first port of call for Indian industry, policy makers and the international business community.

Dhruva Advisors was established in 2014 and is a tax and regulatory services firm, which works with some of the largest multinational and Indian corporate groups. It brings a unique blend of experience, having worked for the largest investors in India, advising on the largest transactions and on several of the largest litigation cases in the tax space. Dhruva also work closely with the Government on policy issues and advocacy matters. 

Dhruva advises clients across multiple sectors including financial services, IT and IT-enabled services (ITES), real estate and infrastructure, telecommunications, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer goods, power, as well as media and entertainment.

About Post Author

Editor Desk

Antara Tripathy M.Sc., B.Ed. by qualification and bring 15 years of media reporting experience.. Coverred many illustarted events like, G20, ICC,MCCI,British High Commission, Bangladesh etc. She took over from the founder Editor of IBG NEWS Suman Munshi (15/Mar/2012- 09/Aug/2018 and October 2020 to 13 June 2023).
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