The primary issues plaguing Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) stem from historical challenges, such as inadequate and untimely credit, compounded by the predominant use of cash transactions and insufficient record-keeping, said Dinesh Gulati, Chief Operating Officer (COO), IndiaMart in an interview with BW Businessworld. Interestingly, a joint report by Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), Dun & Bradstreet and Omidyar Network India also stated that the issue is not new or the result of the pandemic. The proportion of MSME sales stuck as delayed account receivables have been consistent and steady for years prior to the pandemic. Although the Covid-19 did intensify the problem, the numbers in the preceding five years were no less alarming. Notably, an estimated 5.9 per cent of the gross value added (GVA) in the Indian economy— Rs 10.7 lakh crore is locked up in delayed payments from buyers to MSME suppliers, as per the report.