Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs in India, recently emphasized the need for prioritizing Indian Standards during a meeting in New Delhi. This inter-ministerial gathering focused on expanding Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to more products.
Khare highlighted how QCOs are essential for achieving the goal of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat.’ They help improve the quality of products in the domestic market and restrict sub-standard imports. She referenced the Prime Minister’s vision during the 78th Independence Day speech, reinforcing the importance of Indian Standards in making Indian products competitive globally.
During the meeting, participants discussed how QCOs ensure products meet mandatory standards, which are crucial for public health and safety. This regulation particularly benefits Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By enforcing the same quality standards, all businesses can compete fairly. This not only strengthens local markets but also opens doors to global opportunities for growth and exports.
Representatives from nearly 17 Union Ministries, including those for Industry, Textiles, and Renewable Energy, participated in the discussions. They reviewed the positive impact of QCOs on the toy industry, where enhanced safety and quality standards have been established since the introduction of QCOs for toys.
The meeting also looked at 628 products currently under consideration for QCO implementation. The consensus was to accelerate the process to help boost product quality and support the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative across various sectors.
While compliance with these standards is voluntary unless specified under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016, all ministries are empowered to mandate compliance. Before implementing QCOs, detailed consultations with stakeholders from the industry are conducted.
The Bureau of Indian Standards plays a vital role in this framework by focusing on standardization, quality certification, and marking of goods to ensure safety and reliability.
Source link
Atma Nirbhar Bharat,Bureau of Indian Standards,Indian Standards,Nidhi Khar
