QCI, FICCI join hands to create ZED Cell

Dr. R P Singh, Secretary General, Quality Council of India (QCI) and Dr. Arbind Prasad, Director General, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the scope of collaboration between QCI and FICCI to create a ZED Cell at FICCI for implementation of the ZED Maturity Assessment Model. This would be the first MoU which QCI has signed at the national level with an apex industry body.

The endeavour will leverage QCI's nationwide established accreditation system (for consultants, assessors, rating agencies etc.) and FICCI's large network of membership and state offices. The objective of the MoU is to implement the Prime Minister's vision of "Make in India" with Zero Defect, Zero Effect covering all sectors, industries (including healthcare, education etc.) and government public services.

Under the MoU, the scope of activities would include enhancing capacities for implementing the ZED model across all levels of MSMEs. It would also include developing an ecosystem through sensitization of industry bodies to drive the ZED model for continuous improvement among MSMEs.

To provide an operating framework to this agreement, the MoU shall be operated by NABET - QCI, which is driving the ZED movement. QCI and FICCI would be responsible for creating FICCI ZED Cells across focus states and districts that will include activities across ZED awareness and activation of SMEs, ZED training for consultants and creation of ZED-related quality content. The framework of the agreement will be initially valid for a period of three years and will be renewed after mutual review of progress.

To maintain a focus on fulfillment of the MoU's objectives a Steering Committee would be comprised. The Steering Committee (SC) would meet once a month to review the progress and ensure proper focus and resource utilization. FICCI will be represented by Ms. Jyoti Vij, Deputy Secretary General, FICCI as the alliance champion and Mr. Vipin Sahni, CEO-NABET will represent QCI.