Pralhad Joshi Launches BIS Care App 3.0; Emphasizes India’s Vision for Global Quality Standards

Shri Joshi reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India synonymous with the best global quality standards.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, delivered the keynote address on the occasion of World Standards Day in New Delhi, urging the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that every Indian has access to safe, reliable, and high-quality products and services. He highlighted that the well-being of consumers is closely linked to the availability of quality goods, while the growth of industries depends on meeting these high standards. This reflects a holistic approach, recognizing the interdependence between consumers and producers, fostering a robust quality ecosystem.

India’s Global Quality Vision

Shri Joshi reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India synonymous with the best global quality standards. He stressed that BIS must focus on enhancing quality as India's economy grows and its contribution to global trade expands. According to the Minister, BIS plays a crucial role in enriching economic growth, promoting the "Made in India" label, and establishing "Brand Bharat" on the global stage.

The Minister also noted that the new BIS Act of 2016, implemented under PM Modi's leadership, will strengthen the ease of doing business while supporting the 'Make in India' initiative. He commended BIS for its efforts in standardization, with over 22,300 standards in force and 94% of Indian standards harmonized with international norms from ISO and IEC. He also highlighted the increase in Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which have grown from 14 covering 106 products in 2014 to 174 QCOs covering 732 products today.

Enhancing Consumer Awareness and Safety

Shri Joshi emphasized the need to raise public awareness about the importance of standards, encouraging consumers to verify ISI and BIS certifications when purchasing products. He underscored the government's challenge to engage citizens with BIS's standards programs and promote a culture where checking for certifications becomes second nature.

As India emerges as the fifth-largest economy globally, Shri Joshi stressed that improving standards is essential to ensuring product safety, quality, and consumer trust. He explained that standards act as catalysts for technical development, industrial growth, and societal well-being, while also facilitating domestic and international trade, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

BIS Care App 3.0 and Consumer Empowerment Initiatives

During the event, Shri Joshi launched the BIS Care App 3.0, a consumer empowerment tool that allows users to verify the authenticity of BIS-certified products and hallmarked jewelry. The app also enables consumers to lodge complaints against sub-standard products and misuse of BIS marks. The updated version features enhanced functionalities, increasing the visibility of information related to standards and certifications for stakeholders.

Shri Joshi also launched a film showcasing BIS's standards promotion activities and introduced the "Quality Quest Game," an educational tool designed to enhance consumer knowledge about quality standards. In addition, he released reference handbooks on important national standards and comic books to be distributed to Standards Clubs across India, aimed at educating young consumers about the significance of standards.

Call for Unified Standards Framework

The Minister acknowledged the efforts of other standards development organizations (SDOs), such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). He emphasized the importance of the "One Nation, One Standard" concept, promoting coherence and synergy across sectors to create a unified standards framework.

Attendees and Conclusion

The event was attended by Union Minister of State, Shri B.L. Verma, alongside key figures such as Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Smt. Nidhi Khare, Additional Secretary Shri Bharat Khera, and BIS Director General Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari. Industry leaders, government officials, and academia were also present, underscoring the importance of standards in India's economic and industrial future.

Shri Joshi concluded by reaffirming the crucial role of standards in ensuring the quality and reliability of products and services, driving India’s global recognition as a leader in quality and innovation.