Quality not just a measure, a way of life that drives innovation: Joshi
Published: Jan 07, 2025
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, JAN 07, 2025: QUALITY is not just a measure; it is a commitment and a way of life. It forms the foundation of trust; fuels progress and drives innovation, said Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi during his address at the 78th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in New Delhi yesterday.
Joshi said that the Government, under the guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has ensured that the people get safe, reliable and high-quality products in line with the guiding principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas'. He further said that the cornerstone of the quality ecosystem is the implementation of the Quality Control Orders (QCOs). He further elaborated that continuous expansion of QCOs showcases Central Government's commitment towards building a progressive quality ecosystem. Quoting Prime Minister's vision of 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect', the Union Minister emphasised on making quality products with zero defects that are sustainable, ecofriendly and have zero effect on the environment. India's progress will be decided by its own standards that are not only globally recognised by locally impactful, he said.
More than 23,500 standards have been enforced in every sector from bags to machines and engineering to medical goods, Joshi said. He also mentioned that 94% of Indian standards have been harmonised with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. From just 14 QCOs covering 106 products notified for compulsory BIS certification and implementation of Indian Standards in 2014. In contrast, today, 186 QCOs covering 760 products have been notified, the minister informed.
Over 44.28 crore articles of gold, jewellery/artefacts have been hallmarked so far. Joshi also said that there is a consumer demand for hallmarking of silver as well and urged the BIS to deliberate on it. The Union Minister applauded the Bureau for its legacy and unwavering commitment to upholding the core values of quality, trust and excellence. He mentioned that BIS Quality Marks have become a symbol of Trust across multiple sectors promoting agriculture, manufacturing and technology.
Present during the occasion was Nidhi Khare, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs said. She applauded the contribution of BIS and said that 78th Foundation Day holds immense significance. Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS said that by embracing innovative technologies and creativity, BIS continues to lead with excellence, driving the nation's progress and fulfilling its aspirations.
The Union Minister launched State-of-the-Art studio, outreach material, test method videos. On this occasion, BIS formalised collaborations with academic institutions such as IIT Tirupati, IIT Bhubaneswar, IIM Nagpur, NIT Warangal, and IIFT Delhi through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) aimed at fostering innovation, improving industry practices, and advancing sustainable development goals.
