BIS Launches Mission to Promote Quality Awareness in India's Villages via Gram Panchayats

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched an initiative to sensitize Gram Panchayat Presidents and Secretaries across the nation. BIS, India's National Standards Body, recognizes the pivotal role that adherence to Indian standards plays in enhancing citizens' well-being, safeguarding the environment, and maintaining the overall quality of products and services.

The primary goal of this ambitious campaign is to cultivate an understanding of the importance of adhering to Indian Standards among Gram Panchayats, encouraging them to uphold these standards while executing government initiatives in villages. This initiative seeks to foster a culture of standardization and promote the use of products conforming to Indian Standards among Gram Panchayats, who play a crucial role in implementing various government programs at the grassroots level.

BIS Key Highlights of the Initiative:

1. 2.4 Lakh Gram Panchayats Reached Out: BIS has reached out to all 2.4 lakh Gram Panchayats across the country. Each Gram Panchayat has been provided with a booklet containing essential Indian Standards relevant to different sectors. This booklet emphasizes the significance of adhering to these standards during the execution of state and central government programs and schemes.

2. Sensitization Workshops: BIS has also initiated training programs for Gram Panchayat Presidents and Secretaries, in collaboration with state and district authorities nationwide. These training sessions are planned to be conducted at block and district levels through the extensive network of 38 BIS Branch Offices.

Benefits of the Initiative:

• Enhanced Quality and Safety: By promoting compliance with Indian standards, the initiative aims to improve the overall quality and safety of government programs and schemes implemented at the village level.

• Consumer Protection: Adherence to standards ensures that products and services meet specific quality and safety criteria, thereby protecting consumers from substandard or unsafe offerings.

• Environmental Conservation: Compliance with standards can contribute to environmental protection by regulating processes that may have adverse ecological impacts.

• Capacity Building: The Sensitization Workshops are designed to empower Gram Panchayat officials with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement standards.

• National Progress: The initiative aligns with the vision of a prosperous and progressive India by fostering a culture of quality and safety across all sectors.

• Awareness on BIS Care App: To empower consumers, BIS has developed the BIS Care App, available on both Android and iOS platforms. This app allows consumers to access information on Indian Standards, products covered under compulsory certification, a list of BIS-certified manufacturers, and a mechanism to lodge complaints in case of dissatisfaction.

BIS has called upon all relevant departments at the state and district levels to support these workshops, recognizing their importance in strengthening the implementation of standards at the grassroots level and ensuring the development of quality infrastructure.