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India Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Consumer Affairs Minister chairs governing council meeting of Bureau of Indian Standards
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi presided over the ninth meeting of Governing Council of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in New Delhi. He is ex-officio President of the Governing Council of BIS, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. During his presidential address, the Union Minister said BIS has brought 371 districts in the country under mandatory hallmarking scheme of jewellery thereby, providing quality assurance to consumers, as per an official statement on Thursday. He directed that more districts be also added in the coming year. He laid special emphasis on making industry and other stakeholders more aware of BIS initiatives. He also stressed upon the importance of Indian standards for various products and services and appreciated the milestone achievements of BIS with formulation of 23,798 Indian standards across sectors. Joshi mentioned the support provided by BIS to various ministries, departments in increasing the number of QCOs from 14 in 2014 to 191 today, covering 774 products along with two horizontal QCOs, which would contribute towards safety of consumers. He highlighted the contribution of BIS in promoting a quality ecosystem. The Minister said that BIS is more than a regulator and urged the Bureau to act as a facilitator by adopting industry friendly approach and promoting the adoption of BIS mark on voluntary basis. Appreciating that the laboratories processed over 2.5 lakh samples in 2024-25, he also said that BIS should make concerted efforts to enhance transparency in sample testing and issuing certifications. He placed importance on the need for increased engagement with MSME sector to handhold these small units and ensure their preparedness for compliance with technical regulations. Appreciating initiatives such as Manak Manthan and Manak Samvaad at the level of Branch offices of BIS, he laid emphasis on closer engagement with industry, accessibility and prompt redressal of any problems faced by the small industries. In order to strengthen the regulatory system, he emphasised that BIS should have zero tolerance towards any malpractices. Approving proposals worth Rs 78 crore to strengthen testing capacity in areas such as aerospace components, solar PV modules, organic food, and high-voltage equipment, he expressed the need to boost the testing infrastructure in the country to match the demands of an emerging economy. He pointed out that all these holistic efforts will help in positioning India as a global leader in standardisation. Ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Gujarat and Assam, who are members of the Governing Council, were also present during the meeting. Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare and senior officers from Department and BIS also attended the meeting. BIS gave a detailed presentation on its key activities of standardisation, certification and lab activities. BIS presented before the Governing Council the Annual Programme on Standardisation (APS), Laboratory Activities, and Conformity Assessment for the year 2025-26. BIS informed that India is hosting the 89th edition of IEC General Meeting from 8 - 19 September in New Delhi, where more than 1,500 participants from over 150 countries are expected to participate and a series of management meetings, technical committee meetings, workshops, exhibition and other events will be organised, as per the ministry. The Governing Council reviewed key developments and achievements and endorsed the way forward for BIS's strategic initiatives such as Annual Programme for Standardisation (APS) 2025-26: Formulated through enhanced engagement with 40 Central Ministries and 84 industry associations, and focused on filling sectoral gaps and aligning standards with national priorities; Laboratory Modernisation Plan: Infrastructure upgrades, automation, digitisation, and creation of complete test facilities for critical products have been identified as key areas of focus for year 2025-26. (ANI)
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
A BIS standard specifically for bicycle helmets
Enjoy riding bicycles? Did you know the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come up with a specific standard for helmets for cyclists, skate boarders and roller skaters — for the first time, and it is coded 'IS 18808'. The move by BIS to nudge all stakeholders to promote ISI-marked helmet is crucial for a country where helmet use for non-powered vehicles is only voluntary (bicycles do not come under Motor Vehicles Act). G. Bhavani, senior director and head of Chennai branch of Bureau of Indian Standards, says BIS has brought this standard in 2025 exclusively for bicycle riders, skateboarders and roller skaters. In April, the Bureau conducted its first awareness workshop in Chennai and continues to reach stakeholders including cycling groups such as WCCG - Chennai Cyclists, Cycling Yogis and Chennai Runners. 'Through Manak Manthan, a monthly initiative of BIS, we take up a standard that was recently revised or formulated or is under development. We reach out to all stakeholders including consumers, manufactures, regulators and laboratories for suggestions. Manufacturers of this product can apply for BIS certification for this new Indian Standard, for which BIS is in the process of reaching out to the relevant associations for raising awareness,' says Bhavani. BIS certification gives an assurance of quality of the product to the consumer. 'We certify after the manufacturers meet certain criteria. Later, the company is allowed to manufacture and market the helmet with an ISI mark,' says Bhavani. In Chennai, most cycling and running groups promote use of helmets. 'In all our group rides and events, one thing is clear — 'no helmet, no ride', says Sudarsana Rao of Vibrant Velachery. Rao notes that if there is a rule by the government then use of helmets and its standards will also improve. 'Unlike the helmets worn by motorcyclists, not everybody sells cycle helmets. They are only available in specialised shops and are different from the ones used by motorcyclists,' says Rao, adding that Clubs such as theirs can do a lot to promote helmet use. Most bicycle helmets are made using PVC, polystyrene and allied material. They are durable, lightweight yet robust and promise reliable performance. Bicycle retail outlets note a majority of helmets sold by them are imported and come with good safety standards, with prices from ₹3,500 onwards. 'Manufacturing helmets for cyclists is a niche market and unless there is good volume there may not be many takers,' says Ashwin G., partner, 5AM Bicycle Studio. Helmet manfacturing companies point out there will be a market in India as many cities are creating cycling infrastructure and there is greater awareness about the benefits of this eco-friendly mode of transport. 'Today, we are largely dependent on the foreign market for helmet design, which must change,' says Bijoy Bharathan, general manager, Turtle Helmet. The Government must also reduce the GST on safety gears such as helmets so as to encourage more people to buy one, says Bharathan.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
BIS Bengaluru to host ‘Manak Manthan' on plywood standards today
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bengaluru, will conduct a brainstorming session titled Manak Manthan on Tuesday. The event will discuss Amendment No. 1 to the IS 303:2024 standard, which governs plywood for general purposes. Scheduled between 9.30 a.m. and 2 p.m., the session will be held at the BIS Conference Room, opposite Jalahalli Metro Station in the Peenya Industrial Area.
