The collaboration will unify key national programs, integrating the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme with NSIC’s MSME Global Mart and Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS). Under this framework, ZED-certified MSMEs will benefit from enhanced digital commerce opportunities, onboarding on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) via the TEAM Initiative, AI-enabled product cataloging, and dedicated export promotion. Furthermore, the partnership will strengthen laboratory infrastructure through NABL accreditation for NSIC facilities and leverage NABET to run customized capacity-building programs across training centers.

To drive effective execution, both organizations are constituting a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) that will meet quarterly to monitor progress and identify fresh avenues for collaboration. Leadership from both entities emphasized that the alliance merges quality consciousness with extensive market outreach. By empowering grassroots businesses to confidently enter domestic and global supply chains, the initiative marks a significant step forward in building a robust, quality-driven corporate landscape for India’s massive MSME sector. (PIB)

The partnership synergizes QCI’s institutional expertise in quality standards with BYST’s long-standing experience in mentoring young entrepreneurs, with the goal of enhancing capacity building and accelerating India’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The MoU was formally exchanged by Mr. Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General, QCI, and Ms. Aruna Vinodh, COO, BYST during the prestigious JRD Tata Awards 2025 ceremony, marking a milestone in collaborative efforts to empower the next generation of business leaders.

This alliance is expected to roll out initiatives that will provide quality-focused mentorship, training, and certification opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.

The accreditation based on ISO/IEC 17025 standards, affirms the technical competence of the laboratory in delivering accurate and reliable test results. It also demonstrates compliance with globally accepted testing protocols, enabling international recognition of test reports through the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) governed by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

Commenting on the development, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement Ltd., said:

“The NABL accreditation is a significant milestone in our pursuit of operational excellence and global standards. It reflects our commitment to quality, precision and continuous improvement. This recognition strengthens stakeholder trust and demonstrates our focus on enhancing technical capabilities across operations. By aligning with international benchmarks, we continue to build a future-ready organisation driven by reliability, innovation and performance.”

The Raipur laboratory plays a critical role in ensuring consistency across a broad range of quality parameters, thereby supporting the plant’s production standards. With this accreditation, it joins a select group of laboratories in India recognised for their adherence to globally accepted testing practices.

As NABL is a member of both the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), the Raipur lab’s certified test reports are now internationally recognised. This achievement reaffirms Shree Cement’s position as a quality-driven, forward-thinking organisation aligned with global best practices.

As per the MoU, the Quality Council of India will assist KVIC in various activities including training to enhance the quality of Khadi and Village Industries products, improve their productivity and marketability both domestically and internationally. Along with this, it will support KVIC by empowering Khadi artisans and promoting Khadi products through various mediums..

On this occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC said KVIC is continuously making efforts to make Khadi more modern. He further said that the objective of these MoUs is to prepare a roadmap to modernize the Khadi and Village Industries Commission and popularize its products among the. This collaboration with QCI will enhance the skills of the Khadi industry and the artisans associated with it and the quality of Khadi products will create a new identity at the global level.

Shri Jaxay Shah President, QCI said that this collaboration will definitely contribute in paving the way for greater global recognition.