ZERO DEFECT ZERO EFFECT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) scheme by the MSME Ministry has achieved the 1 lakh certification milestone, the ministry said recently.

Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED)

• About: The ZED scheme offers environmentally conscious manufacturing certification with gold, silver, and bronze levels based on 20 performance parameters.
• Launched in: October 2016.
• Revamped in: April 2022 .
• Aim: To enhance MSME competitiveness, make them sustainable and transform them as National and International Champions.
• Objectives of the ZED Scheme

oCreate awareness about ZED manufacturing.

oMotivate MSMEs for ZED rating assessment.

oDrive manufacturing with Zero-Defect processes.

oEmphasize environmental impact minimization (Zero Effect).

oEncourage MSMEs to upgrade quality standards in products and processes.

oContribute to the "Make in India" campaign.

• Applicability: Currently applicable exclusively for manufacturing MSMEs.
• MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification: It is an extensive drive to create awareness amongst MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices and motivate & incentivise
• Certification Levels: Level 1: BRONZE, Level 2: SILVER, Level 3: GOLD