Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) And Indian Standards Institute (ISI)

How cheap can we sell on the market tomorrow morning? Such is the question that weighs heavily on our thoughts as we conduct our daily business, assuming that the products we use are designed for our safety, for the health of the purchaser if it's gold, for the reliability of the electrical apparatus concerned or for whatever relevance is attached to a package of edible items. But have you ever paused to consider who is responsible for ensuring these products are safe and conform to quality standards? The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which acts as the national standards body of India, does. The brief story of BIS will remain incomplete without speaking of its predecessor, the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), which started the very first step toward quality assurance in India.

The Birth of Standardization in India: The Indian Standards Institution (ISI)

As soon as India became independent in 1947, there arose an urgent need to secure the quality considerations of the products being manufactured and consumed. For this purpose, the Indian Standards Institution was established. The concept behind establishing this institution was to formulate and promote Indian Standards (IS) for industrial products so that their quality, safety, and reliability could be assured.  

Among its many contributions, one notable ISI contribution was the launching of the ISI Mark in 1950. This mark has now come to signify quality assurance and is the mark of a product that conforms to the prescribed standards. Over the years, the ISI Mark has come to symbolize consumers' trust and its reliability.

Evolution Of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

However, as India progressed and as industrialization burgeoned, it became very obvious that there was a need for a more effective and comprehensive standardization system. Therefore, the Government of India, in 1986, decided on ISI being replaced with a statutory body that would have wider authority and autonomy. Under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, BIS is an organization established on April 1, 1987.

BIS processes continue the functions of the ISI but were given greater authority to manage the quality of goods and services in different sectors. To strengthen the BIS Act further, the BIS Act 2016 was enacted to make provision for certification of services, systems, and processes apart from that already done in 1986 and brought BIS in inner alignment with international standards.

Core Functions Of BIS 

BIS thus takes a very key role in the certification of Indian products and services, with a guarantee that while doing so, the normal procedures refer to quality. Such functions would include: 

• Standards formulation: Indeed, the Bureau of Indian Standards formulates Indian Standards through technical committees headed by members having expertise in various fields. These standards pertain to a cross-section of sectors: food, electronics, chemicals, construction materials, and many more.
• Product Certification: The product certification schemes of BIS ensure that the product conforms to the relevant Indian Standards. The ISI mark is given to such manufacturers whose products meet those standards, guaranteeing consumers' quality and safety.
• Hallmarking of Precious Metals: BIS is responsible for a hallmarking scheme for gold and silver jewellery which assures purity and protects the consumer from inferior quality products.
• Laboratory Services: BIS has established a network of laboratories conducting testing and calibration services, which are facilitating the implementation of standards and certification.
• Consumer Affairs and Training: BIS provides consumer education and training programs regarding the significance of standards in everyday life. 

The ISI Mark: A Mark of Trust

The mark now relies on ISI, which was continued by BIS as an emblem of quality that assures adherence to standards - that is, the marked product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard-and safety and reliability. Over the years, this mark has become synonymous with the trust on which people depend while deciding on the purchase of products. 

However, as time passes, the increasing popularity of the mark invites lots of misuse also. BIS is now adopting strict enforcement activities such as raids and legal actions to safeguard the interests of its consumers from counterfeit products.

BIS's Role in Consumer Protection

Plans are being made for BIS to play a very important role in the important consumer interest parts. It helps consumers from falling into a trap of inferior quality products and unsafe goods in the market by qualifying their products and services to certain standards. Certification schemes under obstructions to the consumers regarding the sale of products may give an assurance of quality with which the product is developed without restrictions. 

Thus, programs like the Sensitisation of Grampanchayats on Standardization taken up by BIS would imply that the level of quality consciousness is made a grassroots culture. Such programs would empower the consumer to make informed choices and demand better products and services.

Changing Standards Scenario

With the economic integration with the rest of the world by any country, there will also be a significant increase in the importance of standardization. The harmonization of BSI with international standards will bring Indian products and services into a global market. Best practices, innovation, and economic growth will depend on BIS. 

Ecomarks are being launched by BIS to drive commitment in the area of sustainability. Ecomark will enable certification of those products that are less environmentally harmful, and hence consumers would be motivated to buy them.

Conclusion

This Development from the Indian Standards Institution to the Bureau of Indian Standards is a line of maturity from a society that is adapting to new requirements. In fact, it is the first step towards the going-private standardization process. BIS offers a legacy that continues that of ISI, so the agenda of standardization for the country never changes. BIS contributes to the environment through a cradle-to-grave approach to quality assurance by consumers, enabling it to develop an enabling environment for industrial growth and innovation.

BIS Certification and ISI marking are indicators of quality and safety to consumers. Impressive standards from BIS will gain industries on stepping up to excellence and global competitiveness levels. They Build Quality into the Life of the Nation.