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In News: The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has stressed the need for ‘One Nation One Standard’ to bring uniformity.
About One Nation One Standard’ Mission
- It was first deliberated in September 2019.
- The mission was envisioned on the line of the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme in order to ensure quality products in the country.
- The purpose is to converge multiple standards with the BIS which is a recognised national body for standardisation in India.
Relevance
- It will make India the leader in setting global benchmarks in fixing standards.
- The uniform national standards will help in making it mandatory for more products.
- This will help in the easy implementation and monitoring of standards.
- The strength and character of a nation are often exemplified by the standards it sets for the quality of its products and services.
Suggestions for implementation
- Lab testing in India should be of world standards, modern equipment and the latest technologies should be used.
- While all areas of production and services should be included in this national mission, bringing a national uniformity and standardization in all kinds of public procurement.
- Gap analysis of BIS and Government labs be taken up on a priority basis as well.
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- Gap analysis refers to the comparison of actual performance with potential or desired performance.
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- The industry should be invited for more dialogue, participation and collaboration in this mission.
- The process of granting certification should be kept as simple as possible and duplication of work should be avoided.
- The aim should be to become the world leader in having maximum industrial products under Indian Standards and no one should feel the need to go abroad to get the quality certification.
- BIS should explore International partnerships and associations to achieve synergy in the field.
About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
- BIS has been providing traceable and tangible benefits to the national economy in a number of ways –
- Providing safe reliable quality goods
- Minimizing health hazards to consumers
- Promoting exports and imports substitute.
- Control over the proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and testing.
