New Delhi, December 25: On the eve of Sushasan Divas 2025, the Quality Council of India (QCI) announced a sweeping set of next-generation reforms designed to strengthen India’s quality ecosystem and advance the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The reforms, unveiled under the guidance of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, aim to transform healthcare, laboratories, MSMEs and manufacturing by shifting from inspection-heavy processes to trust-based governance.
Q Mark – Desh ka Haq
At the heart of the reforms is the launch of the Q Mark – Desh ka Haq, a QR-coded quality symbol that empowers citizens to verify hospitals, laboratories and MSMEs. The initiative seeks to eliminate fake certificates and ensure transparency across the quality ecosystem. By reducing paperwork, shortening timelines and lowering inspection burdens, QCI aims to create a low-friction environment built on trust.
Digital Platforms and Grievance Redressal
QCI is introducing Quality Setu, a secure ticket-based system for time-bound grievance redressal and feedback resolution. Additionally, a single, paperless accreditation platform will replace multiple portals, simplifying compliance and improving accessibility for enterprises and institutions nationwide.
Empowering MSMEs
Recognising the role of over six crore MSMEs in India’s economy, QCI has announced mentoring and certification support for Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers. Through the ZED and Lean certification</strong programmes, Indian products will be prepared to meet global standards. In 2026, one lakh MSMEs and Self-Help Groups under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative will receive training in quality, packaging and branding. A Shop Floor Best Practices Playbook will also be introduced to familiarise small businesses with global practices. To ensure affordability, fees for ZED and Lean certification will be reduced.
NABL Reforms for Laboratories
QCI aims to position India as the “testing capital of the world” through reforms under the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Key measures include a model scope for medical testing laboratories, training of 5,000 personnel in 2026, and faster approval processes for authorised signatories. Laboratories will benefit from 48-hour scope extensions for similar products and tests, while additional fees for product-based accreditation will be eliminated where parameters are already covered.
NABH Reforms for Healthcare
Patient safety is central to reforms under the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH). The MITRA programme will provide verified mentors to guide hospitals, especially in smaller towns. Accreditation norms are being relaxed to allow hospitals with 20 per cent occupancy to apply. Penalties will shift from blanket bans to graded corrective measures. The Gunvatta Pathshala initiative will deliver role-based training for doctors, nurses and technicians, while AI-assisted desktop surveillance will reduce on-site inspections for consistently performing hospitals.
NABCB Reforms for Certification Bodies
To boost India’s global trade footprint, the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) will introduce accredited certification for indigenously manufactured products. A Quality Passport will be launched to enable seamless global acceptance of Indian goods and services. Fast-track accreditation will also be extended to emerging technology sectors such as drones and cybersecurity.
Leadership Perspective
QCI Chairman Shri Jaxay Shah emphasised that the reforms align with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 and India’s aspiration to emerge as a Vishwaguru. He noted that the initiatives build on QCI’s sustained efforts to simplify accreditation, reduce procedural friction and strengthen trust in India’s quality ecosystem. “These reforms will accelerate processes, reduce turnaround times and leverage technology to make quality assurance faster, more transparent and more accessible,” he said.
Building a Trust-Based Quality Ecosystem
Over the years, QCI has consistently modernised India’s quality architecture by simplifying frameworks, rationalising inspections and expanding institutional capacity. The latest reforms reflect a commitment to transparent governance, simplified compliance and globally competitive enterprises. By positioning quality as a catalyst for sustainable growth and citizen trust, QCI aims to strengthen India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
