In the context of MSME manufacturing, what does the

Solution

The Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) initiative was launched in 2016 by the Government of India to enhance the global competitiveness of MSMEs. The scheme encourages enterprises to adopt world-class manufacturing practices with a dual focus: • Zero Defect: Ensuring quality production with minimal errors, thereby reducing wastage and rejections. • Zero Effect: Minimizing adverse environmental impacts through sustainable practices. MSMEs undergoing ZED assessment gain several benefits, including higher productivity, wider market access (especially as vendors to CPSEs), innovation opportunities, and intellectual property creation. The ZED Certification Scheme also provides financial support to MSMEs, and assessments are conducted across 50 parameters, with ratings valid for four years.