Bureau of Indian Standards Commemorates World
Standards Day 2024
Advocates for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness
New Delhi, 14 October 2024: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, today celebrated World Standards Day 2024, aligning with this year’s global theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World.” The theme underscores Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – reinforcing BIS’s commitment to advancing sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth through standardization.
The main event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Prahlad Joshi, the Hon’ble Minister of State, Shri B.L. Verma, alongside the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Nidhi Khare, IAS, Secretary Consumer Affairs and the Director General of BIS, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, IAS. Key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia were also present on the occasion.
In his keynote address, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Prahlad Joshi emphasized the need for Indian standards to be globally aligned, noting, “Our vision, as outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is for Indian standards to be recognized worldwide. BIS plays a pivotal role in streamlining the approval process for Indian products in global markets, thereby boosting exports and enhancing India’s competitiveness.
Hon’ble Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma highlighted the role of standards in promoting inclusive development, stressing the importance of collaboration between governments, industries, and civil society to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called for innovative solutions and improved infrastructure to uplift underprivileged communities through the power of standardization.
Mrs. Nidhi Khare, IAS, Secretary of Consumer Affairs, underscored the impact of standards on global trade and industrial development, noting that BIS’s robust standardization framework contributes significantly to economic progress and sustainability. “Standards foster trust among consumers, businesses, and regulators, building a strong foundation for sustainable industrial growth,” she remarked.
Sh. Shantmanu, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Consumer Affairs highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of innovation.
Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Director General of BIS, outlined the recent strategic initiatives of BIS. He also highlighted the organization’s collaborations with academic institutions, evidenced by 75 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed, the establishment of over 10,000 Standard Clubs, engaging more than 300,000 students to instil a culture of quality among the youth.
The celebrations extended across multiple locations in the National Capital Region, including BIS Headquarters, ICAR, New Delhi, and National Institute of Training for Standardisation, Noida, in addition to activities at five regional and 36 branch offices of BIS nationwide. A varied range of programs such as Manak Manthan, Quality Walk, and Quality Connect which reached to over one lakh households were conducted spreading awareness about quality standards and their significance.
With its continuing efforts, BIS remains dedicated to advancing standards that align with global benchmarks, fostering a more sustainable and competitive future for India.
