Since the lockdown started on 25 March, the economy has been badly hurt and businesses have suffered in the state with very little, or in many cases, no income. Most Naga entrepreneurs may not run big businesses but they employ thousands of fellow Nagas and support their livelihood. Paying rent, salaries and other bills have become a major challenge. For most Naga entrepreneurs, as of now, it is not about making profits but it is a question of survival of their businesses.
The Business Association of Nagas is happy to know that some generous landlords have waived off rent of their tenants. With the understanding that some landlords may depend on rental income for their livelihoods, BAN would like to request and appeal to all landlords to waive rent where possible or give a 50% discount to the rent of Naga entrepreneurs at least till the time of the lockdown period is over. Those landlords who have taken bank loan can avail the moratorium till August 31 as announced by the Government.
Helping Naga entrepreneurs, who are mostly young, first generation businessmen, will go a long way in displaying goodwill and brotherhood which our faith teaches us. This will also encourage our entrepreneurs and help them sustain their businesses. By cutting down on the rent they can ensure basic salaries to thousands of Naga families and dependents whose sole source is their merge salary.
BAN also appeal to fellow Nagas to promote and buy from struggling new businesses, especially local vendors that have newly ventured due to the pandemic. In these times of crisis Nagas should help each other, buy from each other, collaborate and do business with each other. Only then will Nagaland have a vibrant and sustainable economy which will create jobs for our youth.
