Quality Council of India and National Small Industries Corporation Sign MoU to Strengthen Quality, Competitiveness and Market Access for MSMEs
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📌 Summary:
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Quality Council of India (QCI) and National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) signed a 5-year MoU to strengthen quality, competitiveness and market access for MSMEs
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Integrates key national initiatives: MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme, MSME Global Mart, TEAM Initiative (ONDC onboarding) and Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS)
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ZED-certified MSMEs get enhanced digital commerce opportunities: MSME Global Mart, ONDC onboarding, AI-enabled product cataloguing, export promotion platforms
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Institutional strengthening: NABL accreditation for NSIC testing facilities; NABET-led assessment and capacity building for NSIC training centres and laboratories
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A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) will meet quarterly to monitor implementation over the MoU's five-year tenure
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Stated goal: globally competitive enterprises contributing to Viksit Bharat 2047
🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy — MSME competitiveness, quality infrastructure and industrial policy; useful example for answers on formalisation and export readiness of MSMEs
📝 Prelims Facts:
- ZED = Zero Defect Zero Effect certification scheme for MSMEs
- QCI bodies: NABL (testing/calibration labs), NABET (education & training), NABCB (certification bodies)
- SPRS = NSIC's Single Point Registration Scheme for government purchases
🔑 Key Term: ZED Certification — MSME Sustainable "Zero Defect Zero Effect" scheme promoting quality manufacturing with minimal environmental impact
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