G20 Standards Dialogue: Indian Consumers Now Demanding High Quality Goods & Services, Says Goyal

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasized the growing demand for high-quality goods and services by Indian consumers and the government's commitment to helping producers adapt to new quality standards.

Speaking at the concluding session of the 'G20 Standards Dialogue' held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Goyal highlighted the importance of aligning Indian standards with international benchmarks to establish India as a global provider of quality products. Goyal underscored the need to eliminate the practice of having two sets of standards for products. He stressed that the government's goal is to ensure that every product manufactured in India meets high-quality standards, providing consumers with the assurance of quality when they make a purchase.

The Union Minister also acknowledged that developed nations have valuable knowledge to share in this context, and he emphasized the importance of creating a robust framework through forums like the G20 Standards Dialogue to facilitate cooperation among countries striving to meet higher quality standards.  Goyal further outlined India's plans to enhance its standards ecosystem, including test labs, and establish mutual recognition agreements with other countries to achieve higher quality standards, contributing to a better and more prosperous future for the global community and the environment.

The theme of the 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect' Dialogue was inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi nearly a decade ago, reflecting his dedication to sustainability and the imperative for collective action on a global scale.  Goyal emphasized that sustainability should become an all-encompassing paradigm, embraced not only by governments but also by common citizens who understand the significance of sustainable growth and inclusivity.

The Union Minister pointed out that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals serve as a roadmap for both standards and sustainability. He stressed that these goals, including achieving Zero Hunger, ensuring health and wellness, and improving the quality of life for every citizen, should be at the forefront of discussions on this crucial subject, especially regarding Affordable Clean Energy.

Goyal highlighted the importance of Affordable Clean Energy as an integral part of sustainable growth, emphasizing India's focus on recycling, reuse, and minimizing waste generation. He emphasized that the government's role is that of a facilitator rather than a disruptor of these processes.