MSME, ZED Scheme - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   The ZED scheme or the ZED Model will be implemented and monitored by

a. RBI
b. NABARD
c. QCI
d. PCI
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: QCI

Explanation:

  • QCI, Quality Council of India is the National Monitoring and Implementation Unit for this Scheme.
  • ZED Maturity Assessment Model is a unique & holistic certification system to assess and handhold processes of MSMEs to promote Zero Defect Zero Effect Manufacturing.
  • The mission of the scheme is to develop and implement a ‘ZED’ culture in India based on the principles of:
1) Zero Defect (focus on customer)
Zero non-conformance/non-compliance
Zero waste
2) Zero Effect (focus on society)
Zero air pollution/liquid discharge (ZLD)/solid waste
Zero wastage of natural resources


2)   Which of the following are benefits of the ZED scheme?

1) Reduced export rejection
2) Cleaner environment
3) Additional employment generation


a. 2, 3
b. 1, 2
c. 1, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
Benefits of ZED

  • Credible recognition of the industry for international customers seeking investment in India
  • Streamlined operations and lower costs
  • Superior quality, reduced rejection and higher revenues
  • Increased environmental & social benefits
  • Additional employment generation
  • Other benefits as announced by the Government from time to time


3)   National SC/ST Hub will come up in

a. Ludhiana
b. Ranchi
c. Bhubaneswar
d. Lucknow
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Ludhiana

Explanation:

  • National SC/ST Hub under the Ministry of MSME will be launched soon in Ludhiana.
  • This will promote the SC/ST entrepreneurs.
  • The Hub would primarily aid in strengthening market access/linkage, monitoring, capacity building, leveraging financial support schemes and sharing industry best practices etc.
  • The hub would operate from National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Headquarters in Delhi, supported by a special cell created for this purpose.


4)   Which of the following measures are deemed to help the Indian Defence Manufacturing sector?

1) Playing field between public sector undertakings and private players is evened out.
2) The MSMEs are being included in the process by setting rules suitable to them.
3) Introduction of Indigenous Design Development and Manufacture category


a. 2, 3
b. 1, 2
c. 1, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:

  • First, the government can claim credit for demonstrating intent to energise the procurement process by accepting many of the suggestions of the Dhirendra Singh Committee set up to make recommendations to revamp the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
  • The introduction of a new category of Buy Indian (or IDDM, Indigenous Design Development and Manufacture), the graded acceptance of better quality through the introduction of an “enhanced” performance parameter clause, and the sudden energisation of private players in defence manufacturing are some cause for cheer.
  • Second, many of the rules that hitherto put the private industry at a disadvantage vis-à-vis the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) have been modified or removed.
  • Third and most important, there is visible incentivisation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in many spheres.


5)   As per the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) 2016, what is the ceiling for projects to be reserved for MSMEs?

a. 10 crore
b. 5 crore
c. 1 crore
d. 15 crore
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 10 crore

Explanation:

  • There are changes with respect to ‘make’ procedures. ‘Make’ procedure has four sub categories:
  • Government funded projects: Under this category 90% of the funding is done by the government and 10% is industry funded. There are two subcategories under this-
1) Projects under Rs 10 crore are reserved for MSMEs
2) Open category - if it is more than 10cr or if MSME cannot develop it even if it is under 10 crore
  • Industry funded projects:
1) Projects under Rs 3 crore are reserved for MSMEs.
2) More than 3 crore it is Open category.