The Centre is planning a Rs 15,000 crore green initiative targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which will also include the creation of an e-marketplace for recyclables to connect manufacturers with waste collectors, according to a report by The Economic Times. Set to launch by early 2025, the initiative will involve the establishment of material recovery facilities (MRFs) and the management of post-consumption product treatment. Additionally, a specialised organisation will be established to guide MSMEs in transitioning to green energy and to develop customised green policies for these enterprises, the report stated.
The report quoted Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General at the Federation of Indian Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, as saying that this incentive will boost competition in the global market. “By providing financial incentives, capacity building, and policy support, the initiative empowers MSMEs to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt green technologies, and create new business opportunities. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the competitiveness of MSMEs in the global market,” Bhardwaj said.
As part of the initiative, a new e-marketplace for recycling is expected to be established. This platform will serve as a unified space for manufacturers and waste collectors, facilitating seamless information exchange between the two parties.
Currently, determining the optimal price for materials collected during waste management is challenging due to a lack of information about the best available prices. According to officials, the e-market portal will allow manufacturers to place bids on collected materials, helping waste collectors secure better prices. The scheme is expected to emphasize energy efficiency and alternative fuels, the report stated.
Decarbonisation, a key aspect of the initiative, will be pursued through a data-driven strategy. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) may be involved in assessing the emission levels of MSMEs and establishing baseline measurements, the report added.
The report quoted an official as saying, “The baselining is likely to be conducted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which will also audit the performance of entities to assess how much energy MSMEs have saved.”
The scheme is being developed with contributions from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Power. Additionally, private consultancies such as the Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey & Company are providing input, the report further stated.