MSE sentiment index dips in September quarter despite efforts from govt

Within manufacturing, firms operating in segments such as auto components, metals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals had a higher share of respondents with a good quarter

Even as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Centre continue to hold discussions on providing relief to the small and medium enterprises, the CriSidEx index shows that sentiment among micro and small enterprises (MSEs) dipped marginally in the quarter ended September, compared to the last three months.

The CriSidEx index stood at 124 in Q2 FY19, marginally lower than 127 in Q1. The decline was marginal despite a plethora of headwinds, including seasonality, rising crude oil prices, rupee depreciation. The index had previously registered a value of 121 in Q4 FY18.

Among manufacturing firms, 37 per cent of respondents responded