Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry has started a new coveted initiative MCCI QCI Gunvatta Yatra
27th April 2025
Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry has started a new coveted initiative MCCI QCI Gunvatta Yatra: in collaboration Quality Council of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India at the Chamber. The theme of the Session was “Empowering MSMEs & Industries”.
The Session was started with a pledge of ensuring path of self-reliant India by making and providing quality products for the Nation.
The event was addressed by Smt. Ruchira Mukherjee, QCI Faculty and CEO, Business Analyst Group.
Smt. Ruchira Mukherjee, QCI Faculty and CEO, Business Analyst Group in her address said that MSME Competitive Scheme is introduced to improve MSME manufacturing systems & processes, enhance MSME competitiveness, make them sustainable and transform them as National and International Champions. All manufacturing MSMEs registered with the Udyam registration portal will be eligible to participate.
While discussing on ZED Certification, Smt. Mukherjee highlighted that the ZED Certification is a gateway to multiple incentives from the Central government, State Governments, and Financial institutions. A sustained practice of ZED principles has multiple benefits including streamlined operations and lower costs, Superior quality, reduced rejection and higher revenues, Increased environmental & social benefits, Credible recognition of the industry for international customers seeking investment in India and Image of a Responsible Enterprise. ZED certification provides us Financial Assistance in Testing/Systems/ Product Certification, Handholding & technological support. MSMEs can be benefitted by 3 consecutives certification categories, including Bronze (Rs. 8000), Silver (Rs. 32000) & Gold (Rs. 72000).
Smt. Mukherjee also pointed the benefit of Lean Implementation including
- Subsidies & Financial Incentives from MoMSME: ~ 20 Lakhs
- Concession on Processing fee & Rate of Interest from multiple banks
- State Govt. incentives
- Capacity Building
- Improved Productivity & Profitability
- Brand Visibility & Credibility
She suggested that a unit should make strategically plan in journey of competitiveness. A plant should register and complete the ZED Bronze & Lean Basic certification level. After getting incentives under ZED certification, it should apply for ZED and Lean Consultancy. After completing the ZED handholding, then the unit should apply for ZED Silver/Gold and get incentives under ZED certification. The unit should also get Lean Intermediate consultancy and move on to Lean Advance.
MSMEs can go for ZED & LEAN Certification simultaneously. The entire process will take a period of 18 months. However the service industry has still not been included in ZED & LEAN Certification, but it may be included shortly.
While welcoming the audience, Shri Sanjib Kumar Kothari, Treasurer & Chairman, Council on MSMEs, MCCI in his address said that the MSME sector in India contributes to 30% to India’s GDP, 45% to manufacturing, 40% to exports, and provides employment to around 113 million people, as per Government data. In February 4, 2025, there were around 5.93 cr.
Shri Kothari informed that As of March 28, 2025, a total of around 2.83 lakhs MSMEs have received Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) certification. As of January 1, 2025, 9,719 MSMEs were Basic Lean Certified under the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme. During last FY 2024-25, 1,886 MSMEs have received ZED certification in West Bengal.
Lastly he highlighted that Gunvatta Yatra is a transformative initiative led by the QCI to foster a culture of Quality across India’s grassroots, with a special focus on MSMEs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 districts. Through a series of district-level engagements and stakeholder dialogues, Yatra aims to spread awareness about Quality standards and empower local enterprises to adopt best practices.
The Session was concluded with hearty Vote of Thanks proposed by Shri Akhil Sonthalia, Council on MSMEs, MCCI.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
