In a significant move towards grassroots empowerment and the promotion of adherence to Indian standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative. This mission aims to raise awareness and foster compliance with Indian standards at the very heart of rural India—Gram Panchayats.
The primary objective of this laudable endeavor is to impart an understanding of the vital importance of adhering to Indian standards to Gram Panchayat Presidents and Secretaries across the nation. By doing so, it seeks to ensure strict compliance with these standards during the implementation of government programs and schemes at the village level.
Key Goals of the Initiative:
Cultivating a Culture of Standardization: The initiative seeks to cultivate a culture of standardization within Gram Panchayats, emphasizing the benefits of using products that conform to Indian Standards. This is particularly crucial as Gram Panchayats play a pivotal role in executing various government initiatives at the grassroots level.
Information Dissemination: BIS has taken proactive measures to reach out to Gram Panchayats nationwide. Booklets containing essential and relevant Indian Standards applicable to different sectors are being distributed. These booklets underscore the critical importance of adhering to these standards when carrying out state and central government programs and schemes at the village level.
Training Programs: BIS, in collaboration with state and district authorities, has initiated training sessions for Gram Panchayat Presidents and Secretaries. These training programs are slated to be conducted at block and district levels through BIS Branch Offices across the country.
Anticipated Benefits:
Enhanced Quality and Safety: The foremost advantage of fostering compliance with Indian standards is the enhancement of the overall quality and safety of government programs and schemes implemented at the grassroots level. This will positively impact the lives of rural residents.
Consumer Protection: Compliance with standards ensures that products and services meet specific quality and safety criteria. This, in turn, safeguards consumers from substandard or unsafe offerings, bolstering their confidence.
Environmental Conservation: Adhering to standards can have a positive effect on environmental protection by regulating processes that might have adverse ecological impacts. This aligns with the broader sustainability goals.
Capacity Building: The sensitization workshops are thoughtfully designed to empower Gram Panchayat officials with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement standards effectively, ultimately promoting responsible governance.
National Progress: This initiative aligns seamlessly with the vision of a prosperous and progressive India by fostering a culture of quality and safety across all sectors, bridging urban-rural disparities.
Additionally, BIS has taken steps to empower consumers with the BIS Care App, available for both Android and iOS platforms. This user-friendly application offers access to valuable information on Indian Standards, products under compulsory certification, a list of BIS-certified manufacturers, mechanisms to verify the authenticity of certified goods, and a platform for lodging complaints in case of dissatisfaction—an important tool for consumer protection and awareness.
In summary, BIS’s nationwide sensitization campaign for Gram Panchayats marks a significant stride towards building a stronger, safer, and more standardized rural India, contributing to the nation’s overall progress and development.