Summary:
JAIPUR: Quality Council of India and the state Industries department on Wednesday entered into an agreement to drive zero-defect and zero-effect (ZED) initiative of the central government which would help companies not only improve their competitiveness in global markets but also minimize the negative impact of industrial activities on the environment.As per the MoU , Quality Council of India (QCI) will train officers of micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) on zero effect, zero defect assessment model for implementing the initiative in Rajasthan and improving the quality of products.On its part, the industries department will include ZED in its industrial policy and create necessary ecosystem for mass adoption of the certification scheme by the industry After signing the MoU, Krishna Kunal, state commissioner industries and BIP, said the centre is providing up to 85% subsidy for the certification and the benefits from such certification are immense for MSMEs.With the implementation of public procurement policy for MSMEs (which mandates CPSUs to procure 20% of their annual procurement from SMEs) and opening up of economy for expanding manufacturing base, opportunities for small and medium ventures are increasing.Companies undergoing the ZED certification process and obtaining rankings will help them not only in improving their processes and products standards but also increasing their acceptability in the market.Under the ZED scheme, MSMEs are assesses and rates on parameters like enablers for product quality, emission, effluent and waste disposal activities, resource management and outcomes.Kunal said that the department will identify and develop companies as models for various sectors which will work as mentors for others..