78th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards

Why in News?

• Recently, the 78th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was celebrated in New Delhi.
• Bureau of Indian Standards celebrates its day every year on 6th January.
• Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi attended it.
• In his address, he talked about quality and self-reliance.

Importance of 78th Foundation Day:

• This day is an opportunity to underline the importance of quality in the country.
• Consumer Protection:
  • Consumers are protected from fraud and get quality products.
• Industrial Development:
  • Indian industries are able to make products in accordance with global standards and can compete in the international market.
• Economic Development:
  • Production of quality products strengthens the country's economy. About Bureau of 

Indian Standards (BIS):

• It was established in the year 1947.
• Objective- For the harmonious development of standardization activities in India.
• It was changed to Bureau of Indian Standards through the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986.
• Headquarters- New Delhi
• Functions under Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
• Functions:
  • Its main function is to execute the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
  • Through the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, the Bureau of Indian Standards has also been entrusted with the responsibility of activities related to standardization and certification of services.
  • Product Certification (ISI Mark)
  • Hallmarking of Gold and Silver Jewellery
  • ECO Mark Scheme (for labeling of eco-friendly products)