New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster standardized practices and conformity assessment, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India's National Standards Body, has signed MoUs with 35 esteemed institutions across the nation. These agreements signify a robust commitment to fostering cooperation in the realm of standardization.

The list of partnering institutions includes prestigious National Institutes of Technology (NITs), prominent Government and Private Engineering colleges and renowned academic entities from various states across the country.

The MoUs establish a framework for active participation of partner institutions in a range of standardization activities. Collaborative initiatives will encompass a range of engagements with BIS technical committees on both national and international fronts, including access to infrastructure support for relevant Research and Development projects, joint organization of events centered around Standardization and Conformity Assessment, knowledge exchange through publications, integration of standardization curricula into academic programs, exploration of a Centre of Excellence focused on standardization, testing and conformity assessment, as well as mutual utilization of laboratory facilities.

Highlighting the significance of these collaborations, Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS, emphasized their potential to enhance standards formulation. Chandan Bahl, Deputy Director General of BIS, provided insights into the operational framework and anticipated outcomes of this collaborative venture.

BIS, functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in multiple critical spheres. Notably, it oversees schemes such as product certification marked by the credible ISI mark, Management Systems Certification, hallmarking of gold and silver jewelry/artifacts and laboratory services, all contributing to industry advancement and consumer protection.

These strategic partnerships, exemplified by the MoUs, underscore India's commitment to rigorous standards and the assurance of quality in diverse sectors. /BI