The central government’s Zero Effect, Zero Defect scheme (ZED), which aims to encourage environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices among MSMEs, has received over 1 lakh registrations since its launch in April 2022, informed MSME Minister Narayan Rane.
Moreover, the certification of more than 42,000 enterprises has been completed under the scheme.
“The scheme is helping enterprises reduce wastage in the manufacturing process, increase their environmental awareness, save energy and expand their markets. On the call of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the enterprises of the country are today taking steps towards the goal of Zero Defect and Zero Effect manufacturing on the environment,” Rane posted on X (formerly Twitter).
As of October 17, 1.01 lakh MSMEs were registered under the scheme of which 43,585 were bronze-certified, 229 silver-certified, and 230 gold-certified MSMEs with a financial support of Rs 59.94 crore, according to the data from the scheme’s portal. The three certification levels are classified according to 20 performance-based parameters such as quality management, timely delivery, process control, waste management, etc.
Importantly, MSMEs are charged Rs 10,000 for bronze certification, Rs 40,000 for silver certification, and Rs 90,000 for gold certification. The scheme offers financial assistance of up to 75 per cent of the total cost of certification, with a maximum subsidy ceiling of Rs 50,000.
Additionally, up to Rs 2 lakh support for handholding/consultancy is offered to achieve the next certification level. For technology upgradation, the scheme offers assistance of up to Rs 3 lakhs for moving towards zero effect solutions/pollution control measures/cleaner technology.
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The government had last year in April revamped the scheme with the number of parameters for the certification narrowed to 20 from 50 in the erstwhile scheme. While bronze certification marks MSMEs on five parameters including workplace safety, quality management etc., silver certification has 14 parameters for MSMEs to comply with. On the other hand, gold certification involves 20 parameters.