Union Minister Piyush Goyal Advocates India as Pioneer of Standards on BIS 77th Foundation Day

New Delhi, Jan 6 (KNN) Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, called for India to become a pioneer of standards, in his address on the 77th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), on Saturday.

The event, jointly organised by BIS and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), featured the 'Dialogue for Strengthening Quality Ecosystem in India.'

The minister emphasised that BIS should not merely adopt standards but strive to be a leader.

He asserted the need for standards to align with international benchmarks, citing examples such as lifts, air filters, and medical items.

Goyal proposed achieving this through increased stakeholder consultations and active involvement of industry representatives.

Goyal reflected on the remarkable progress in Quality Control Orders (QCOs), stating that until 2014, there were only 14 QCOs for 106 products.

However, the current tally stands at 156 QCOs for 672 products, with 90 per cent introduced in recent years.

Goyal cited a 52 per cent decline in toy imports from 2015 to 2023 due to QCOs emphasising quality.

“QCO’s are being processed in nearly 2500 more items which reflects our commitment towards quality by providing high standards goods and services,” he added.

Goyal quoted the government’s vision– "Zero Defect, Zero Effect,’ and emphasised its adoption, encouraging high-quality, sustainable, and eco-friendly product manufacturing.

Goyal asserted that India's progress will be determined by its own standards, reducing dependence on foreign benchmarks.

Underscoring the importance of quality, Goyal stated, "Quality is King, but Better Quality is probably the emperor." He emphasised the cost-effectiveness of quality and its positive impact on both industry and consumers.

Goyal stressed that good quality is non-negotiable, emphasising the awareness created by BIS among consumers, industries, exporters, and importers.

Appealing to the younger generation, Goyal urged them to become ambassadors of quality and of a developed India. He encouraged the promotion of e-learning and the enhancement of the PARAKH initiative in colleges and universities.

(KNN Bureau)