New Delhi, Apr 28 (Agency) Union Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Narayan Rane on Thursday launched the revised MSME Sustainable (ZED) Scheme that offers incentives and benefits for manufacturing quality products with the least effect on environment. The scheme encourages MSMEs to adopt Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices. Emphasising the need for scaling up production and improving quality, Rane said that MSME Ministry has been coming up with new schemes to support the industry and the MSME Sustainable (ZED) scheme is part of such initiatives.
The Minister said the new scheme of ZED certification will improve quality and increase production. He appreciated the suggestions given by industry participants and promised to take more reform measures to promote MSMEs which contribute nearly 30% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Speaking on the launch of the ZED scheme, MSME Secretary BB Swain said that MSMEs must enhance capability and competitiveness to become part of global value chain. Swain noted that MSME Sustainable (ZED) scheme will provide opportunity to MSME units to continuously strive to improve their processes.
“It’s important that quality and competitiveness of MSMEs in India are enhanced over a period of time. This scheme will provide an opportunity for the units to continuously strive to improve its processes. This would also ensure that the large companies investing in India have readymade vendors to support their activities. ZED is a win-win proposition,” said Swain. The ZED certification aims at enhancing the competitiveness of an MSME through assessment, handholding, managerial and technological intervention among others. The certification would help MSMEs reduce wastage substantially, increase productivity, enhance environmental consciousness, save energy, optimally use natural resources and expand their markets.