PIB Summary-13th March, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme

Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister for MSME launched the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme.

MSME (LEAN) Scheme: Improving Competitiveness of MSME Manufacturers

• The MSME (LEAN) Scheme aims to transform Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into world-class manufacturers by improving their quality, productivity, performance and capability to change mindsets.
• Through the LEAN journey, MSMEs can reduce wastages substantially, increase productivity, improve quality, work safely, expand their markets, and finally become competitive and profitable.

Implementation of LEAN Manufacturing Tools

• Under the scheme, MSMEs will implement LEAN manufacturing tools like 5S, Kaizen, KANBAN, Visual workplace, Poka Yoka, etc., under the guidance of trained and competent LEAN Consultants to attain LEAN levels like Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.

Government Support

• The government will provide 90% of the implementation cost for handholding and consultancy fees to support the implementation of LEAN manufacturing tools by MSMEs.
• Additionally, there will be an additional contribution of 5% for MSMEs which are part of SFURTI clusters, owned by Women/SC/ST, and located in the Northeast region.
• There will also be an additional contribution of 5% for MSMEs which are registered through Industry Associations/Overall Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) organizations after completing all levels.

Conclusion

• The MSME (LEAN) Scheme is a positive step towards improving the competitiveness of MSME manufacturers in India.
• By adopting LEAN manufacturing tools, MSMEs can improve their productivity, quality and safety standards, and expand their market reach.
• The government’s support in implementing the scheme will encourage more MSMEs to participate and benefit from it.

54th CISF Raising Day

Why in News?
March 10 is annually observed as the Raising Day when the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was set up under the Union ministry of Home Affairs.

About Central Industrial Security Force

• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a central armed police force.
• It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and was established in 1969.
• Initially, it was created to protect major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
• In 1983, an amendment expanded the CISF’s role as an armed force with a wider scope.
• Currently, the CISF is responsible for securing government installations, such as airports and metros.
• It also provides security for industrial ventures and establishments, VIPs, and participates in disaster management.
• The CISF has a Fire Wing to respond to fire emergencies and accidents.
• With over 165,000 personnel, the CISF is the largest security force in the world.