The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s national standards body, is embarking on a transformative journey in collaboration with Gram Panchayats, the village administrative bodies, to empower them with the knowledge and tools to leverage Indian Standards (IS) for effective governance and improved quality of life in rural communities. This initiative signifies a crucial step towards bridging the gap between standardization policies and their implementation at the grassroots level, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable development across rural India.
Recognizing the pivotal role of Gram Panchayats as the custodians of rural development, BIS has undertaken a comprehensive outreach program to sensitize them on the significance of adhering to IS standards. Through a network of 38 branch offices, BIS has organized sensitization programs at block and district levels, reaching over 1.3 lakh Gram Panchayats across the nation. This initiative targets Gram Panchayat presidents, secretaries, and Panchayat Samiti members, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to:
- Embrace a culture of quality consciousness: By understanding the tangible and intangible benefits of IS standards, Gram Panchayats can foster a culture of quality consciousness within their communities. This not only benefits infrastructure development projects, ensuring their durability and safety, but also extends to agricultural practices, promoting sustainable use of resources and improved crop yields. Additionally, adhering to IS standards for essential services like water purification and sanitation safeguards public health and promotes improved hygiene practices, ultimately contributing to the well-being of rural communities.
- Navigate the complexities of procurement: Selecting the appropriate materials and services for various development projects often poses a challenge for Gram Panchayats. By equipping them with knowledge of relevant IS standards, BIS empowers them to make informed decisions during the procurement process. This not only ensures value for money but also minimizes the risk of acquiring counterfeit or substandard products, leading to long-term cost savings and minimizing the need for repairs and replacements.
- Promote transparency and accountability: Integrating IS standards into program and scheme implementation fosters transparency and accountability within the governance system. This builds trust among community members, ensuring that government initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries, ultimately contributing to improved living standards and overall well-being.
To further empower Gram Panchayats in their journey towards standardized governance, BIS has provided them with valuable resources:
- Informative booklets: These booklets serve as a comprehensive reference guide, outlining key and relevant IS standards across various sectors such as construction, agriculture, and sanitation. This empowers Gram Panchayats to make informed decisions regarding procurement, infrastructure development, and program implementation, ensuring they select the most suitable products and services that not only meet their specific needs but also comply with established standards.
- ‘BIS Care’ mobile application: This innovative app equips Gram Panchayats with a powerful tool to:
- Verify the authenticity of BIS certifications: The app provides a convenient way to verify the genuineness of the ISI Mark and Hallmarking on products, safeguarding communities from counterfeit or substandard goods. This empowers Gram Panchayats to act as responsible stewards of public resources and ensure that their communities receive the intended benefits from government programs. By identifying and reporting instances of misuse of standard marks, Gram Panchayats can also contribute to maintaining the integrity of the BIS certification system.
- Raise concerns and report misuse: The app provides a platform for reporting potential misuse of standard marks, fostering transparency and accountability within the system. This empowers Gram Panchayats to contribute to a robust quality ecosystem and ensure that trust in BIS standards remains high. By providing a platform for voicing concerns and reporting potential issues, this app empowers Gram Panchayats to play a more active role in safeguarding the quality of products and services within their communities.
This collaborative initiative between BIS and Gram Panchayats signifies a paradigm shift in India’s approach to rural development. By empowering Gram Panchayats with the knowledge and tools to leverage standardization principles, this program has the potential to transform the landscape of rural development in India. By fostering a culture of quality consciousness at the village level, this initiative paves the way for sustainable and inclusive development, ensuring that every rural community benefits from safe, reliable, and efficient practices, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and thriving rural India.
