Daily Current Affairs : 13-January-2024
The Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) scheme, initiated by the MSME Ministry, has recently achieved a significant milestone, obtaining 1 lakh certifications. This scheme, falling under the purview of Government Policies and Interventions (GS II), plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of products within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Let’s delve into the key aspects of the ZED scheme, its objectives, and its implications.
Understanding the ZED Scheme:
The ZED scheme, short for Zero Defect, Zero Effect, is designed specifically for the MSME sector to elevate product quality to meet global standards. A fundamental goal of this initiative is to mitigate the adverse environmental impact of products, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. The scheme incorporates sector-specific parameters tailored to individual industries, recognizing the crucial role of the MSME sector in India’s economic development.
Origins and Significance:
The inception of the ZED Scheme can be traced back to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 Independence Day speech, where he introduced the concept of producing high-quality manufacturing products with minimal environmental impact. This scheme serves as a cornerstone for the Make in India program, a flagship initiative of the Central Government. Its overarching aim is to transform India into a global manufacturing hub, fostering economic growth, job creation, and increased incomes.
Objectives of the ZED Scheme:
- Develop an Ecosystem for Zero Defect Manufacturing in MSMEs.
- Promote adaptation of Quality tools/systems and Energy Efficient manufacturing.
- Enable MSMEs for manufacturing top-quality products.
- Encourage continuous improvement of quality standards in MSME products and processes.
- Drive manufacturing with the adoption of Zero Defect production processes while minimizing environmental impact.
- Support the ‘Make in India’ campaign.
- Develop professionals in the area of ZED manufacturing and certification.
Certification and Benefits:
Under the ZED scheme, MSME companies adhering to the guidelines and meeting the set standards are awarded ZED certification. This certification comes with several benefits, encouraging businesses to prioritize quality and sustainability in their manufacturing processes.
Important Points:
- ZED Scheme Milestone:
- Recently achieved 1 lakh certifications in the MSME sector.
- Demonstrates widespread adoption and success of the initiative.
- Objective and Relevance:
- Geared towards MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Sector.
- Aims to enhance product quality aligning with global standards.
- Focuses on reducing the environmental impact of products.
- Critical relevance to Government Policies and Interventions (GS II).
- Scheme Details:
- Rates and guides MSMEs to produce high-quality, environmentally friendly products.
- Sector-specific parameters tailored for diverse industries.
- Originated from PM Narendra Modi’s 2014 Independence Day speech.
- Central to the Make in India program for global manufacturing hub ambition.
- Objectives of the ZED Scheme:
- Develops an ecosystem for zero-defect manufacturing in MSMEs.
- Promotes adaptation of quality tools/systems and energy-efficient manufacturing.
- Enables MSMEs for manufacturing top-quality products.
- Encourages continuous improvement of quality standards.
- Drives manufacturing with the adoption of zero-defect production processes.
- Aligns with the ‘Make in India’ campaign.
- Focus on developing professionals in the ZED manufacturing and certification domain.
- Certification and Benefits:
- Companies adhering to guidelines and meeting standards awarded ZED certification.
- Certification comes with multiple benefits, promoting adherence to quality and sustainability.
- Acts as an incentive for businesses to prioritize quality manufacturing processes.
- Implications:
- Addresses the unregulated MSME sector’s need for quality improvement.
- Aligns with broader sustainability goals and environmental consciousness.
- Supports economic progress by elevating MSMEs to global quality control standards.
- Serves as a cornerstone for the Make in India program, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Why In News
The MSME Ministry recently announced that the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) scheme, aimed at promoting quality and environmental sustainability, has successfully reached the 1 lakh certification milestone, marking a significant accomplishment in fostering excellence among micro, small, and medium enterprises.
MCQs about ZED Scheme
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What is the primary objective of the ZED Scheme in the MSME sector?
A. Job creation
B. Enhancing product quality
C. Increasing government interventions
D. Boosting economic growth
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Who first introduced the concept of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” in the context of manufacturing quality products with minimal environmental impact?
A. MSME Ministry
B. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
C. Make in India Initiative
D. Independence Day Speech
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What is the central aim of the ZED Scheme in relation to the ‘Make in India’ program?
A. Minimizing environmental impact
B. Transforming India into a global manufacturing hub
C. Adapting quality tools/systems
D. Encouraging energy-efficient manufacturing
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Why is ZED certification significant for MSME companies?
A. It guarantees financial support from the government.
B. It provides tax exemptions.
C. It demonstrates adherence to quality and sustainability standards.
D. It enables companies to bypass environmental regulations.
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