Union Minister of State for MSME and Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, recently underscored the paramount importance of a robust quality infrastructure. She emphasized that such an infrastructure is not only essential for accelerating India’s industrial growth and enhancing global competitiveness but also crucial for safeguarding consumer interests nationwide. Speaking at the World Standards Day 2025 celebrations, hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Bengaluru Branch Office at the prestigious J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), on October 16, the Minister lauded BIS’s extensive outreach efforts. She specifically highlighted their Standards Clubs and various awareness programs, recognizing them as vital initiatives for fostering a ‘quality-first’ culture across the country.
Ms. Karandlaje passionately advocated for the creation of more sector-specific standards, believing this would propel India into a leadership position in global manufacturing, trade, and innovation. She articulated, “Standards are far more than mere technical specifications. They are powerful tools that directly influence the competitiveness of our industries in international markets.”
Echoing her sentiments, Bengaluru Rural MP C.N. Manjunath also addressed the assembly, stressing the urgent need to adopt and rigorously implement standards across a wide array of sectors. He specifically cited healthcare, research, and manufacturing as areas where standardization is critical for achieving sustainable development and ensuring robust public health and well-being. Manjunath further elaborated, “Standardisation effectively bridges the divide between groundbreaking innovation and practical real-world application, particularly evident in fields like medical technology and diagnostics.” He concluded by reiterating that unwavering adherence to these standards is fundamental to promoting both sustainability and overall public welfare.
The event itself, thoughtfully themed ‘Shared Vision for a Better World – Spotlight on SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals’, convened a diverse group of key stakeholders. This included influential policymakers, prominent industry representatives, and respected academicians, all united by a common purpose. The day’s agenda featured engaging technical sessions, a special felicitation ceremony for ‘Standards Champions,’ and captivating cultural performances presented by students from various Standards Clubs, adding a vibrant touch to the important discussions.
Key BIS officials, such as Meenakshi Ganesan, Deputy Director General (Southern region), and Sushma Rao Mantradi, Director and Head of BIS Bengaluru Branch Office, were also prominent participants in the insightful program.