The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is actively promoting a culture of quality across India through initiatives like quality-consciousness programs, competitions, and 'quality runs' to raise public awareness. Particularly in the northeast, BIS has tailored its approach by developing region-specific standards for unique products, ensuring local specialties meet national and international benchmarks.
Additionally, to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), BIS provides substantial financial incentives, offering up to an 80% discount on marking fees, with an extra 10% discount specifically for businesses in the Northeast. This commitment underscores BIS’s role in enhancing quality and competitiveness in diverse sectors across India.
In an exclusive interview with Pankhi Sarma for Business North East (BNE), Director of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Guwahati Shouvik Chanda spoke at length about quality, consumer safety, market competitiveness and the organization’s strategic initiatives in Northeast India.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Business North East: Firstly, tell us, what programs are you planning throughout the Northeastern region to raise awareness about the BIS marks?
Shouvik Chanda: The Bureau of Indian Standards, operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, has undertaken various steps to reach out to consumers. We are currently conducting multiple awareness programs, including one to commemorate World Standards Day. Along with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other bodies, we have welcomed dignitaries from all sectors—industry, education, government, consumers, artisans, jewellers, and more. Additionally, we organize stakeholder conclaves and quality awareness programs, targeting schools, universities, and industries. For example, our quality run is a half-marathon aimed at promoting quality consciousness among the public. We collaborate with government departments to make standards like ISI certification for helmets mandatory.
BNE: How are these awareness programs impacting the Northeastern region, especially considering the perception that this area is isolated from the rest of India?
Shouvik Chanda: I view it differently, the Northeast is a special region with unique cultural diversity. Despite its geographical position, it offers a lot to India and the world. Our BIS Guwahati branch serves all seven Northeastern states, except Sikkim, which is managed by the Kolkata branch. We are actively working with local industries to help them achieve ISI certification, ensuring they meet quality standards. Our initiatives include management system certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and the hallmark scheme for gold and silver jewellery. We also have a laboratory division that supports the industry’s growth and quality adherence.
BNE: Is BIS doing more for the Northeastern region beyond these outreach efforts?
Shouvik Chanda: Yes, we are focused on formulating Indian Standards. For example, products like bamboo shoots have specific Indian standards tailored for this region. We collaborate with MSME units to help them meet these standards, allowing them to access markets beyond the Northeast. Being an organic-rich region, we support local agricultural products, tea, and handloom products. These efforts ensure that products with ISI certification can compete nationally and even enter export markets. While hallmarking is limited to gold and silver jewellery, our Product Certification Scheme and Compulsory Registration Scheme extend to various other items, including electronics.
BNE: Are there specific certifications available for agricultural and handloom products?
Shouvik Chanda: The certification process varies depending on the product. For example, tea can receive ISI certification if a company applies through BIS. Our process is entirely digital, making it easier for manufacturers to access. While we currently do not have specific certifications for handicrafts, we do have standards for products like beehives, where we recently granted a certification to a manufacturer in Tripura.
Products with an ISI mark provide consumers with assurance of quality, helping them make informed choices. For instance, recently, a brand from Sham Charitable Trust received BIS certification for reusable sanitary pads, the first in Northeast India, which showcases the significance of such certifications.
BNE: How does BIS support MSME units in the Northeast?
Shouvik Chanda: We offer financial support in the form of subsidies. For MSME units, we provide an 80% discount on marking fees, with an additional 10% discount for those in the Northeast. This significantly benefits local economies and promotes entrepreneurship. Additionally, we conduct capacity-building workshops, training programs, and consumer awareness campaigns like "Jago Grahak Jago" to educate both manufacturers and consumers about quality standards. We have a training institute in Noida, and we organize residential training programs throughout the year.
BNE: Are any residential training programs planned in Guwahati?
Shouvik Chanda: Yes, we regularly conduct training programs in Guwahati. Recently, we organized a workshop for science teachers titled “Learning Science via Standards.” It was a two-day residential program that attracted teachers from various schools. We have different training modules tailored for teachers, students, and manufacturers to ensure effective learning. The goal is to adapt our approach to the specific needs of each participant.
BNE: How are businesses from Assam and other Northeastern states responding to certifications like ISI marks and hallmarks?
Shouvik Chanda: We have seen a significant increase in licenses from the Northeast. Our goal is to align Indian standards with international ones to facilitate exports. States like Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Assam have shown significant interest, with many businesses obtaining certifications. We recently had a state-level meeting in Meghalaya to discuss implementing ISI-marked goods for public procurement. We plan similar meetings in other Northeastern states to promote quality standards. Companies like TOPCEM Cement and NEZONE Pipes have obtained BIS certification, as well as several sanitary pad manufacturers.
BNE: What role does BIS play in promoting exports from the Northeast?
Shouvik Chanda: ISI-marked products have a distinct advantage in export markets, especially in neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. Such certifications enhance the value of goods, making them more competitive. BIS also supports industries in ensuring quality control throughout the manufacturing process. This not only helps businesses in reaching international markets but also fosters a culture of quality consciousness among manufacturers and consumers alike.
BNE: What challenges does BIS face in this region regarding international standards?
Shouvik Chanda: As the National Standards Body, BIS can directly adopt international standards and adapt them to suit Indian requirements. Our focus is to develop standards that address region-specific needs, such as those for bamboo products and tea. We recently made standards mandatory for certain sectors like textiles and tires. By aligning our standards with international norms, we aim to make products from the Northeast more competitive globally.
BNE: Lastly, could you name a few businesses in Assam that have achieved BIS certification?
Shouvik Chanda: Certainly. Some of the notable businesses include TOPCEM Cement, Nilon Pipes, and Supreme Industries. Additionally, we have certified a range of products, from packaged drinking water to sanitary pads, helping manufacturers enhance their market reach. While direct certifications in agriculture are limited, we are collaborating with Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVKs) and government departments to standardize agricultural practices. This effort aims to improve the quality and yield of agricultural products, contributing to the region's growth.
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