New Delhi, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
More than 6.7 lakh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have achieved certification under the MSME Sustainable Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) scheme, while women-owned enterprises are being provided 100 per cent subsidy for obtaining ZED certification, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises said on Tuesday.
The ministry said the scheme has registered around 9.49 lakh MSMEs and provided financial support of over Rs 913 crore to help enterprises adopt quality-driven and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) initiative aims to encourage MSMEs to improve product quality, enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and become more competitive in domestic and global markets.
Under the scheme, 6.67 lakh MSMEs have received Bronze certification, 6,700 enterprises have achieved Silver certification and 4,800 have secured Gold certification.
The ministry said the benefits of the ZED initiative have extended beyond certification, with 22 states and Union Territories integrating the scheme into their industrial policies and providing additional incentives to certified MSMEs.
Further, 19 financial institutions are offering benefits such as concessions in processing charges and interest rates to ZED-certified enterprises, making access to finance easier for these businesses.
The ministry highlighted that the 100 per cent subsidy available to women-owned MSMEs removes a major cost barrier and encourages greater participation of women entrepreneurs in sustainable manufacturing.
The scheme supports MSMEs in improving production systems, adopting better quality standards and reducing their environmental footprint. It also helps enterprises integrate more effectively into domestic and international value chains through improved manufacturing practices.
Eligible MSMEs can also avail financial assistance of up to 75 per cent of the cost of testing or system/product certification, subject to a maximum limit of Rs 50,000. The scheme provides up to Rs 2 lakh for handholding and consultancy support and up to Rs 3 lakh for adopting Zero Effect solutions, pollution-control measures and cleaner technologies.
The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises said the ZED certification programme continues to promote environmentally responsible and quality-focused manufacturing among MSMEs across the country.
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