Unlocking Global Competitiveness: Why Embracing Standards is Essential for India’s Future on World Standards Day

World Standards Day: Celebrating Quality and Self-Reliance

Every October 14, we celebrate World Standards Day. This day honors the experts and organizations that create standards, ensuring quality in products, services, and systems all around the globe. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) takes the lead in this important initiative.

A standard acts like a certification. It signifies that a product or service meets certain quality benchmarks, which helps to promote self-reliance. AR Unnikrishnan, who heads the BIS branch in Ghaziabad, points out that adhering to these standards enhances product quality, playing a vital role in India’s growth.

How Standards Are Made

BIS develops standards through collaboration. Experts from industries, consumer groups, research sectors, and NGOs come together to create these guidelines. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more robust standards.

Supporting MSMEs

The BIS is dedicated to uplifting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Unnikrishnan explains that they provide training and technical support, making it easier for these businesses to comply with Indian standards. When MSMEs produce high-quality items, they can effectively compete with larger companies.

Link to National Campaigns

Standards are crucial for initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local.’ By offering guidance and certifications, BIS helps smaller businesses improve their product quality, opening doors to global markets. Unnikrishnan noted that BIS aligns Indian standards with global ones, such as those from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), but tailors them to suit local needs.

The Importance of Certification

Kanika Kalia, Director of the Bureau of Indian Standards in Rajasthan, emphasizes that standards are significant in day-to-day life. Products ranging from electronic devices to food items are manufactured according to these guidelines. For over 644 products, such as cement and gas stoves, certification from BIS is mandatory. Selling these products without the ISI mark is illegal.

Empowering the Youth

Unnikrishnan urges young people, especially engineers, to choose BIS-marked products. If they notice areas for improvement, he encourages them to share their suggestions with BIS. Every small action contributes to enhancing quality and self-reliance in India.

Utilizing Technology for Safety

To help consumers verify product authenticity, the BIS has developed the BIS Care App. Users can check a product’s credentials by entering its BIS license number. This tool empowers consumers to make informed and safer purchases.

In today’s competitive market, understanding and embracing standards can lead to significant benefits for both producers and consumers. When we prioritize quality, we contribute to a stronger economy and safer consumer choices.

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