Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 05: The District Industries Centre (DIC), Department of Industries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration appeals to all Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Islands to take advantage of the MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect Zero Effect – ZED) Certification Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The scheme aims to promote quality manufacturing, technological upgradation and environmentally sustainable industrial practices among MSMEs by encouraging them to adopt globally accepted quality standards while minimizing their environmental impact.
The primary objectives of the Scheme are to encourage MSMEs to manufacture high-quality products through the adoption of modern technologies and best manufacturing practices, implement Zero Defect and Zero Effect manufacturing processes, enhance competitiveness and export potential, foster sustainable industrial growth with minimal environmental impact, and recognize MSMEs that successfully adopt ZED practices while enabling policymakers to identify areas requiring improvement.
The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification is available in three progressive levels, namely Bronze, Silver and Gold. Every MSME is required to first take the ZED Pledge, signifying its commitment towards quality and sustainable manufacturing, before applying online for the desired certification level based on its preparedness and compliance with the prescribed parameters.
All enterprises registered on the Udyam Registration Portal of the Ministry of MSME are eligible to participate in the Scheme and avail its incentives and benefits. The Government provides substantial financial assistance towards certification, with 80% subsidy for Micro Enterprises, 60% subsidy for Small Enterprises and 50% subsidy for Medium Enterprises. In addition, an extra 10% subsidy is available for MSMEs owned by Women or SC/ST entrepreneurs and those located in Island Territories, North Eastern Region, Himalayan Region, LWE areas and Aspirational Districts. A further 5% subsidy is available for MSMEs covered under the SFURTI and MSE-CDP programmes.
To encourage participation, a Joining Reward of ₹10,000 is provided after taking the ZED Pledge, which can be utilized towards certification expenses within the prescribed period. Further, MSMEs securing a minimum Bronze Certification are eligible for handholding and consultancy support up to ₹5.00 lakh. Out of this, up to ₹2.00 lakh may be utilized for consultancy and handholding support through approved consulting organizations, while up to ₹3.00 lakh may be utilized for technology upgradation, pollution control measures, cleaner technologies and other Zero Effect solutions, subject to the recommendations of the Consultant, verification by the concerned MSME Development Institute and approval by the Project Monitoring and Advisory Committee (PMAC).
Under the certification process, MSMEs are required to first take the ZED Pledge and thereafter submit an online application for the desired certification level. The enterprise must comply with all the prescribed requirements of the selected level. In case any non-conformities are identified during assessment, sufficient opportunity is provided to rectify them within the stipulated period. The final certification is awarded based on the recommendations of the Accredited Assessment Agencies. The Ministry of MSME may also conduct post-certification inspections of MSMEs that have availed benefits under the Scheme.
The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme offers an excellent opportunity for MSMEs to improve product quality, productivity, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability while enhancing their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. The District Industries Centre encourages all eligible MSMEs in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to enroll under the Scheme and leverage the financial incentives, certification support and technology upgradation assistance available under this flagship initiative.
For further information and assistance regarding registration under the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme entrepreneurs may contact the District Industries Centre, Udyog Parisar, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, during office hours or over Phone No. 03192-232601 / 232819. A press release from the District Industries Centre said.
