In a grand event marking World Standards Day 2024, BIS reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth through standardisation
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, marked World Standards Day 2024 with a celebration focused on the global theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World.” This theme emphasises Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, underscoring BIS’s dedication to fostering sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth through the power of standardisation.
The event, held in New Delhi, was attended by key dignitaries, including Shri Prahlad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, and Shri B. L. Verma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, alongside Mrs. Nidhi Khare, Secretary of Consumer Affairs, and Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS. Representatives from government, industry, and academia were also present to share insights and discuss the role of standards in driving India’s progress.
In her welcome address, Smt. Chitra Gupta, DDG (TNMD), BIS, expressed her pleasure in hosting the event, stating, “Today, we honour the dedication of those who develop standards that improve lives and promote global harmony.” She emphasised the importance of the day’s theme, highlighting BIS’s role in promoting innovation, resilience, and sustainability for a better future.
Shri Prahlad Joshi, in his keynote address, congratulated the BIS team for organising the event, which he described as an excellent platform for stakeholders across various sectors to exchange ideas and explore solutions. “Quality and standards are deeply rooted in our culture, as reflected in ancient texts like the Manu Smriti and Artha Shastra,” he said. He further encouraged citizens to demand BIS-certified products to ensure high standards and ethical practices in daily life.
Shri B. L. Verma, speaking at the event, emphasised the Indian government’s efforts toward advancing technology and standardization under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the theme of “Shared Vision for a Better World” is closely aligned with India’s goals to tackle challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, while striving for global competitiveness.
Mrs. Nidhi Khare highlighted the need to increase the visibility of BIS, stating that while the organization has made significant progress, the public still perceives quality standards as costly or unnecessary. She stressed the importance of aligning Indian standards with global benchmarks and called for the inclusion of these standards in public procurement processes to ensure safety and quality for all consumers.
In his address, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari outlined BIS’s recent initiatives and its ongoing efforts to build partnerships with industries, academia, and regulatory bodies. He stressed the importance of continuous dialogue on emerging technologies and innovations to ensure India’s standardisation efforts are recognised globally.
Shri Sanjay Pant, DDG (Standardization-II), BIS, further connected the role of standards to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9. He emphasised the importance of collective action to address challenges like climate change and build resilient infrastructure, noting that standards are key tools in this mission.
The celebration extended across the National Capital Region, with events at BIS headquarters, regional offices, and branch offices nationwide. Initiatives such as Manak Manthan, Quality Walk, and Quality Connect were designed to raise awareness about quality standards among over one lakh households.
During the event, BIS also launched several new initiatives, including the BIS Standard Portal for Reference Books, Hallmarking Portal 2.0, and BIS Care App 3.0. Celebrity-endorsed films promoting standards in kitchenware, footwear, and gold were unveiled, as well as a game titled “Quality Quest – Consumer Edition,” aimed at educating consumers about quality standards.
Through its continued efforts, BIS reaffirms its commitment to advancing standards that align with global benchmarks, contributing to a sustainable and competitive future for India.
About the Bureau of Indian Standards: BIS, the National Standard Body of India, was established under the BIS Act 2016 to promote the harmonious development of standardisation, marking, and quality certification of goods. BIS contributes to the national economy by ensuring reliable quality goods, minimising health risks, and supporting export growth through standardisation, certification, and testing.
