LMCS also brings improvement in the quality of products and lowers costs, which are essential for competing in national and international markets. The larger enterprises in India have been adopting LMCS to remain competitive, but MSMEs have generally stayed away from such Programmes as they are not fully aware of the benefits. Besides, experienced and effective Lean Manufacturing Counsellors or Consultants are not easily available and are expensive to engage and hence most MSMEs are unable to afford LMCS. Scheme has been approved as a pilot project in 100 Mini Clusters for implementations of Lean Techniques.

Objectives

The main objective of the Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme (LMCS) is to bring the manufacturing competitiveness in the MSME Sector. Lean Manufacturing involves applying Lean Techniques (e.g. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), 5S, Visual control, Standard Operation Procedures, Just in Time, Kanban System, Cellular Layout, Poka Yoke, TPM, etc.) to identify and eliminate waste and streamline a system. The focus is on making the entire process flow, not improving only a few operations. Worker empowerment is also emphasized throughout the effort.  

Approach

The approach involves engagement of Lean Manufacturing Consultants (LMCs) to assess the existing manufacturing system of member units of the Mini Cluster(s) and stipulate detailed step by step procedures and schedules for implementing and achieving of lean techniques. 

Assistance

A financial support by the Government of India upto a maximum of 80% of the Consultant fees for each Mini Cluster will be provided. Remaining 20% is to be brone by the beneficiaries MSME units.

Who can apply

Interested industry associations / Group of approx. 10 MSME units which qualify under MSME-Development Act, 2006 willing to form SPV (Mini Cluster) can submit application in prescribed format to the National Productivity Council (NPC), Utpadakta Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.