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 The
concept of waste as "a material which has no use" is changing
to "a resource at a wrong place". This realisation is making
society to think how to minimise waste/ put to other
 uses. Waste Minimisation
hence can be considered as "A new and creative way of thinking
about products and the processes which makes them. It is achieved by the
continuous application of strategies to minimum the generation of wastes
and emissions".To put this definition to practical use
organisations have developed various methodologies to suit their
requirements. But the underlying principle on which all the WM
methodologies are based on the famous DEMING cycle of Plan-Do-Check-Act.This approach was found suitable for individual industries who have information, knowledge resources and can initiate actions on their own. However, the results of these approaches were confined to that specific industry. In cases where, Government Agencies tried to demonstrate the benefits of WM by publicising the efforts of industry and other organisations the efforts could not catalyse the similar industry to adopt WM. To create a multiplier effect and promote WM across the entire industrial spectrum a need was felt to develop appropriate supportive mechanisms. In this regard Ministry of Environment and Forests,  New Delhi to help Small
and Medium Industrial Clusters adopt WM in their industries initiated
the project titled "Waste Minimisation in Small Scale Industries"
using the concept of "Waste Minimisation Circles". This
project is being implemented with the assistance of National
Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi.The concept combines the methodology of WM and concept of Quality Circles. The team concept of Quality Circles was extended from the team being a group of people from various departments of Industry to a group of entrepreneurs wherein they will discuss about the areas available for WM. However, realising the practical difficulties involved in applying this concept on their own Facilitators (Consultants, institutions from various techno-managerial disciplines) were appointed who will facilitate the meetings and guide them till such time the concept is ingrained into their working culture and adopt it in their work place. The facilitators were selected and necessary training was provided by NPC to undertake the task of facilitating the WMC meetings. |