North News
Chandigarh, October 14
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, stressed the need for India to ensure access to safe, reliable, and high-quality products and services for its citizens. Speaking on World Standards Day in New Delhi, Joshi called on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to play a central role in fostering a robust quality ecosystem that benefits both consumers and producers.
Joshi emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to be recognized globally for its quality, highlighting the importance of BIS in enriching the country’s economic growth and enhancing the “Made in India” label. “BIS must focus on maintaining high standards as India’s economy rapidly grows and expands its global trade contributions,” Joshi said.
He lauded the new BIS Act of 2016 for improving the ease of doing business and boosting the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Joshi noted that 22,300 standards are currently enforced in India, with 94% aligned with international norms such as ISO and ISE. Additionally, 174 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering 732 products have been mandated for compulsory BIS certification, a significant increase from just 14 QCOs in 2014.
The minister underscored the importance of raising public awareness about standards to empower consumers, urging them to verify ISI and BIS certifications before purchasing any product. “This is our challenge—creating widespread interest in standards programs,” he added.
Joshi also emphasized that standards serve as the backbone of society, promoting safety, quality, and trust in products and services. They are essential for technical development, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability, contributing to both domestic and international trade.
