The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on March 12, 2026, reported progress in the implementation of the MSME Champions Scheme, which aims to promote competitiveness, quality enhancement and innovation among MSMEs. The ministry stated that key deliverables under the scheme have met or exceeded their targets, and an evaluation is currently underway to assess the impact of its various components.
Under the initiative, schemes such as the MSME Sustainable ZED Certification Scheme and the MSME Competitive LEAN Scheme primarily support manufacturing MSMEs by encouraging quality standards, operational efficiency and process optimisation across sectors.
Additionally, the MSME Innovative Scheme promotes innovation through incubation of new ideas, design interventions for product development and assistance in intellectual property protection such as patents, trademarks and GI registrations. ZED certification further enhances the credibility of MSMEs, improving their market access, integration with supply chains and access to concessional credit from financial institutions.
[Notification No. 2238978]
