New Delhi, August 4: According to an official statement released on Tuesday, approximately 949,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have registered under the Sustainable Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification scheme by the Ministry of MSME. The central government is also providing a 100% subsidy on ZED Certification for women-owned MSMEs to promote female entrepreneurs.
The ministry’s statement highlighted that over ₹913 crore has been allocated to assist enterprises in adopting quality-based and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes under this scheme.
The ZED initiative aims to encourage small and medium enterprises to adopt improved production processes, enhance quality standards, and reduce environmental impact. This will help Indian MSMEs strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
Under the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) initiative, industries are motivated to produce high-quality products while minimizing environmental impact. The program supports enterprises in continuously improving technology, systems, and production processes.
Among the registered enterprises, 667,000 MSMEs have received Bronze certification, 6,700 have achieved Silver certification, and 4,800 have been awarded Gold certification.
According to the ministry, this indicates that a significant number of small industries are advancing towards adopting quality and environmental standards.
The statement further noted that the impact of the ZED scheme extends beyond certification. Twenty-two states and union territories have integrated it into their industrial policies, providing additional incentives to ZED-certified MSMEs. Furthermore, 19 financial institutions are offering facilities such as processing fee waivers and reduced interest rates to these enterprises, facilitating easier access to financial assistance.
The ministry stated that the 100% subsidy for women entrepreneurs eliminates the certification costs entirely. This allows more women entrepreneurs to engage with the initiative and develop their businesses in line with quality standards.
According to the MSME ministry, the ZED scheme encourages industries to produce high-quality products while minimizing environmental impact. It promotes continuous improvement in technology, management systems, and manufacturing processes, thereby enhancing quality, productivity, and sustainability.
Eligible MSMEs under the scheme are also provided various types of financial assistance, covering up to 75% of the costs for testing, system, or product certification (up to a maximum of ₹50,000). Additionally, consulting and handholding support can be provided up to ₹200,000, while assistance for pollution control measures, clean technologies, and zero-effect solutions can reach up to ₹300,000.
Leave a Comment