MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme

Building competitive, efficient and future-ready MSMEs.

Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, aims to implement the MSME Competitive (Lean) Scheme for MSMEs with an objective to enhance their productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness by reduction of wastages in processes, inventory management, space management, energy consumption, etc.

Higher productivity

Structured Lean tools to remove bottlenecks and non-value-added tasks.

Reduced wastages

Focus on process, inventory, space and energy optimisation.

Stronger competitiveness

Lean, agile operations ready for domestic and global customers.

Key objectives of the LEAN Scheme

  • Introduce proven Lean manufacturing practices in MSMEs.
  • Reduce wastage in material, motion, waiting time and rework.
  • Improve productivity, on-time delivery and resource utilisation.
  • Optimise space and layout for smoother material and information flow.
  • Lower energy consumption and associated operating costs.

Why MSMEs should adopt LEAN

  • Strengthens profitability through cost reduction and better utilisation.
  • Builds a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor.
  • Helps meet customer requirements on quality, cost and delivery.
  • Supports digital and automation initiatives with stabilised processes.
  • Prepares MSMEs for scaling up and integration in global supply chains.

MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme Levels

MSME Competitive (Lean) Scheme can be attained in three progressive levels after registration and taking the Lean Pledge.

  • Level 1: BASICFoundation stage focused on introducing core Lean tools and building awareness across the unit.
  • Level 2: INTERMEDIATEDeeper deployment of Lean practices across key processes with measurable improvements in productivity and waste reduction.
  • Level 3: ADVANCEDMature Lean culture with continuous improvement embedded in daily work and strong, data-driven performance management.

Lean Pledge by MSMEs

Before starting the Lean journey at any level, every MSME unit is required to take a Lean Pledge.

  • The Lean Pledge is a pre-commitment by the MSME to uphold the values of Lean practices and philosophy in its functioning.
  • It is a solemn promise to move ahead on the Lean journey across Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels in a structured way.
  • After taking the Lean Pledge, the MSME can apply for handholding support for implementation as per its need, preparedness and interest.

Lean Scheme can then be implemented by MSME units at any of the three levels, building capability step by step while staying aligned with the scheme guidelines.

How Integrex supports MSME LEAN implementation

  • Readiness assessment of current processes and performance.
  • Design of LEAN roadmap aligned to MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme guidelines.
  • On-site and remote handholding for implementation of Lean tools.
  • Training and coaching of teams to sustain improvements.
  • Documentation and data support for scheme-related compliance.

Through structured interventions, MSMEs can quickly see improvements in productivity, lead time, quality performance and overall competitiveness while aligning with Government of India's MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme objectives.

At a glance

  • Ideal for manufacturing and service MSMEs of all sizes.
  • Targets quick wins as well as long-term process stability.
  • Focus on data-based decision making and visual management.
  • Improves team engagement and problem-solving capabilities.

Ready to begin your LEAN journey?

Integrex can partner with you from initial assessment to implementation, review and scaling of Lean practices under the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme.