Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 6: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been urged to enrol under the MSME Sustainable (Zero Defect Zero Effect–ZED) Certification Scheme, with the District Industries Centre (DIC) highlighting financial incentives, certification support and technology upgradation assistance available under the flagship initiative of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
The District Industries Centre, under the Department of Industries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has appealed to all eligible enterprises to participate in the scheme, which seeks to promote quality manufacturing, technological upgradation and environmentally sustainable industrial practices. The initiative encourages MSMEs to adopt globally accepted quality standards while reducing their environmental impact.
The ZED Certification Scheme offers three progressive certification levels—Bronze, Silver and Gold. Before applying for certification, every enterprise must first take the ZED Pledge, signifying its commitment to quality and sustainable manufacturing. Thereafter, MSMEs may submit an online application for the certification level corresponding to their preparedness and compliance with the prescribed parameters.
According to the Administration, all enterprises registered on the Ministry of MSME’s Udyam Registration Portal are eligible to participate in the scheme and avail its benefits. Financial assistance towards certification is available in the form of an 80 per cent subsidy for Micro Enterprises, 60 per cent for Small Enterprises and 50 per cent for Medium Enterprises.
In addition, the scheme provides an extra 10 per cent subsidy to MSMEs owned by women or Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs, as well as enterprises located in Island Territories, the North Eastern Region, the Himalayan Region, Left Wing Extremism-affected areas and Aspirational Districts. A further five per cent subsidy is available to MSMEs covered under the SFURTI and MSE-CDP programmes.
The scheme also offers a joining reward of Rs. 10,000 after an enterprise takes the ZED Pledge. The amount can be utilised towards certification expenses within the prescribed period.
MSMEs securing at least Bronze Certification are eligible for handholding and consultancy support of up to Rs. 5 lakh. Of this, up to Rs. 2 lakh may be utilised for consultancy and handholding through approved consulting organisations, while up to Rs. 3 lakh may be used for technology upgradation, pollution control measures, cleaner technologies and other Zero Effect solutions, subject to the recommendations of the consultant, verification by the concerned MSME Development Institute and approval of the Project Monitoring and Advisory Committee.
Under the certification process, enterprises are required to first take the ZED Pledge and then submit an online application for the desired certification level. Applicants must comply with all prescribed requirements for the selected level. If any non-conformities are identified during assessment, enterprises will be given an opportunity to rectify them within the stipulated period before certification is awarded based on the recommendations of Accredited Assessment Agencies. The Ministry of MSME may also conduct post-certification inspections of enterprises that have availed benefits under the scheme.
For registration and further assistance, entrepreneurs may contact the District Industries Centre, Udyog Parisar, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, during office hours or by telephone at 03192-232601 or 03192-232819.
