Vyavasayakeralam 2024

Kerala Brand

Kerala Brand is envisaged to deliver an appealing image of Kerala’s products/ services to the global customer. It will project Kerala’s commitment to quality, ethical and responsible industrial practices and enable Kerala’s enterprises in tapping into the global market potential by creating a unique identity for the indigenous products “Made in Kerala”. Products/ services which are being produced/offered in an environmentally sustainable way, following ethical practices and conform to specific quality standards and certifications, will be selected from selected sectors for identifying under the Kerala Brand.

The objectives of Kerala Brand are:

• Recognize the ethical and responsible industrial practices
• Develop a loyal consumer base across the globe
• Enhance marketing potential of homegrown enterprises that are into value addition of indigenous produce
• Identify enterprises conforming to specific set of quality standards
• Improve export performance of enterprises in Kerala with limited exposure to global markets

The Kerala Brand will reflect the following USPs (unique selling proposition) of Kerala’s industry:

• Manufactured in Kerala
• No Child Labour
• Inclusive Workplace without any discrimination on Sex/ Caste/ Category
• Safe, clean, and progressive workplace
• Technology Enabled Manufacturing/ Service
• Environment friendly practices

Kerala Brand will be a mechanism of ensuring the availability of products which meet high quality standards to consumers and improve the marketing potential of manufacturers/service providers committed to conform to these standards. It will act as a differentiator for products/services of high-quality standards.

The products obtaining Kerala Brand certification shall:

• be able to market under the unique “MADE IN KERALA” brand name at domestic and international levels
• receive financial assistance for obtaining high quality certifications which shall further aid in improving exports
• be considered in the list of products/services showcased at International Trade fairs, Marketing Expos etc.

Kerala Brand hopes to significantly improve the marketing potential for manufacturers who are willing to comply with the prescribed standards to ensure the quality of the products. This shall further enable the manufacturers of other products that get Kerala Brand Certification to market their products under the unique brand name "MADE IN KERALA" at the domestic and international levels.

• Kerala Brand G.O.(Ms) No.37/2023/ID Dated,02-06-2023
• Kerala Brand Revised G.O.(Rt)No.760/2026//ID Dated,24-07-2026
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ZED

      As the MSMEs are amongst the strongest drivers of economic development, innovation and employment, it becomes imperative to strengthen their ecosystem. The Government of India envisioned the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) initiative to enhance MSME competitiveness, make them sustainable and transform them as National and International Champions.

MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification is an extensive drive to create awareness amongst MSMEs about 'Zero Defect Zero Effect' (ZED) practices and motivate & incentivise them for ZED Certification while also encouraging them to become MSME Champions. Through the journey of ZED Certification, MSMEs can reduce wastage substantially, increase productivity, enhance environmental consciousness, save energy, optimally use natural resources, expand their markets, etc. MSMEs will also be motivated to adopt best practices in work culture, standardisation of products, processes, systems etc. in order to enhance their global competitiveness and sustainability. The ZED Certification aims at enhancing the competitiveness of an MSME through assessment, handholding, managerial and technological intervention etc., hence it is not just a Certification.

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MSME INSURANCE SCHEME

 About the Scheme

The Department of Industries and Commerce, in alignment with the Government’s vision to create a sustainable ecosystem for industries in the State, is introducing an Insurance scheme for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. This scheme aims at providing financial protection to MSMEs against unforeseen risks, which can have a detrimental impact on their businesses. The scheme intends to provide reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the annual insurance premium paid by MSMEs and shall be implemented through the District Industries Centres (DICs). An amount of Rs. 30 Lakh has been allocated for the scheme for the financial year 2023-24..

MSME Insurance scheme shall be operated through the four leading Public Sector Insurance Companies in the State, i.e.

1. National Insurance Company Ltd.
2. United India Insurance Company Ltd.
3. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.
4. New India Assurance Company Ltd.

As part of this, the State government signed MoUs with these four Public Sector Insurance Companies on 12^th October 2023.

Benefits under the scheme

The multitude of risks faced by MSMEs includes natural disasters, fire, theft, accidents, and market fluctuations, leaving them vulnerable to significant financial losses. These losses can have long-lasting consequences on the sustainability of the business. However, with adequate insurance coverage, MSMEs can protect themselves against unforeseen risks and recover quickly from any losses. By providing financial protection, insurance coverage instills confidence in MSMEs, allowing them to take calculated risks and expand their businesses. Thus, the Insurance scheme shall enable the MSMEs to thrive in a competitive business environment.

Eligibility for availing assistance under the Scheme

• All MSMEs in the manufacturing or service or trade sector having valid UDYAM registration in Kerala and have enrolled for insurance under the “Bharat Sookshma/ Laghu Udyam Scheme” from any one of the four public sector insurance firms that are part of this scheme for the period beyond April 1, 2023, are eligible for assistance under this scheme
• The assistance under the scheme shall be provided in the form of reimbursement
• Enterprises are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of their annual insurance premium (up to a maximum of Rs. 2500)

How to apply for the scheme

• If the applicant MSME has not taken Insurance Policy yet, there is a provision in the portal to intimate its willingness to the four Insurance companies. The Insurance Companies will upload their premium amounts to the applicant through the portal. The applicant can choose the most suitable quote through the portal. Hence the MSME can enjoy the best premium amount through this scheme.
• MSMEs shall purchase the insurance policy by paying the full annual premium from any one of the four public sector insurance firms that are part of the scheme
• After purchasing the policy, MSME shall submit the application for reimbursement to the District Industries Centre concerned through the online portal; Along with the application, UDYAM registration certificate of the unit, insurance policy document and receipt of premium paid should also be submitted as supporting documents
• DIC shall calculate and reimburse the eligible assistance amount to the bank account of the MSME unit (50% of the annual premium paid or Rs. 2500, whichever is lower).

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MSME Insurance Scheme Guidelines Modified -G.O(Rt)No.678/2024/ID Dated:29.07.2024

 MSME Insurance guidelines modified- Click here