The ZED certification scheme, short for Zero Defect Zero Effect, is an important policy initiative of the Government of India aimed at strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Its objectives are rooted in broader political ideas of developmental governance, inclusive growth, self-reliance, and sustainable development. The scheme reflects the ideological shift towards a proactive state that not only regulates but also enables industry to become globally competitive while remaining socially and environmentally responsible. One of the primary objectives of the ZED certification scheme is to improve the quality of manufacturing by Indian enterprises. The idea of “Zero Defect” emphasizes the production of goods that meet high standards of quality and reliability, reducing errors, rejections, and wastage. From a political economy perspective, this objective aligns with the belief that national economic strength is closely linked to the quality of its industrial output. By encouraging firms to adopt quality-centric practices, the state seeks to enhance consumer confidence, both domestically and internationally, and to reposition Indian manufacturing in global value chains. Another key objective is to promote environmentally sustainable production processes, encapsulated in the concept of “Zero Effect.” This aims at minimizing the negative environmental impact of industrial activity, such as pollution, excessive energy consumption, and inefficient resource use. Ideologically, this reflects the integration of sustainability into development policy, moving away from purely growth-centric models toward environmentally