Integration of BIS standards into the GeM portal is empowering MSMEs to ensure product compliance and quality with ease – Mrs Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Consumer Affairs

"Quality standards are key to ensuring consumer safety and trust. Proud to see India's strides in increasing quality control orders, safeguarding consumers, and fostering an aspirational marketplace. We must now focus on digitalizing standards to keep pace with global innovations” said Mrs Nidhi Khare, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Government of India. She said this during her address at a Seminar on Strengthening Quality Ecosystem in the Manufacturing, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi today.

She also said that "India's consumer landscape is evolving, with a growing demand for quality products. With the integration of BIS standards into the GeM portal, we are empowering MSMEs to ensure product compliance and quality with ease. As we focus on strengthening standards and regulations, it's crucial to recognize that our consumers now seek trust, safety, and global competitiveness in every purchase."

In his address Mr H J S Pasricha, Scientist-G & Deputy Director General (Certification), Bureau of Indian Standards said "Building a strong Quality Culture, backed by Leadership Commitment and a focus on Training & Skill Development, is key to achieving global manufacturing standards. With BIS leading the way, we can ensure continuous improvement and meet the demands of the manufacturing ecosystem." He also said that "the increasing demand for refined and effective standards by the industry is a positive shift. This collaborative effort ensures that we not only meet but exceed global benchmarks for quality, paving the way for sustained progress in manufacturing."

Dr Nettem V Choudhary,  FNAE, Distinguished Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad,d said that "Empowering MSMEs through advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and digital twins is key to attain quality. Similarly, transforming batch processes into continuous processes simplifies quality assurance and aligns with Industry 4.0 standards, a key to India's manufacturing excellence."

Mr B Thiagarajan,  Chairman CII National Committee on Consumer Electronics & Durables, and Managing Director, Blue Star Ltd said "India's manufacturing growth hinges on innovation, quality standards, and sustainable practices. From noise testing to energy labeling, we must invest in R&D and modern testing to meet evolving consumer demands. The goal is to deliver not only sustainable and energy efficient but also globally competitive, high-quality, and affordable products."

Addressing the conference, Mr Vinod Sharma Chairman CII National Committee on Electronics Manufacturing and Managing Director, Deki Electronics Ltd., said that "India's journey to global manufacturing leadership depends on building a robust quality culture. From enforcing standards to aligning innovation and cost-efficiency, we must ensure 'Made in India' signifying excellence. To become globally acceptable, Indian manufacturing must lead with purpose and precision."

In his closing remarks, Mr Ashok Saigal Co-Chairman, CII National MSME Council, and Managing Director, Frontier Technologies Pvt Ltd, said that “We must change our mindset as quality is more about mindset. We must shift from merely meeting minimum standards to aiming for excellence, ensuring that our products deliver lasting value to consumers. By fostering a culture of quality, we empower manufacturers to not only meet expectations but to exceed them."

19 December 2024

New Delhi