Quality and Standards Are the Identity of Self-Reliant India: CM Sai

Raipur, October 14

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that adherence to standards in every sphere of life is essential to ensure transparency, quality, and the protection of consumer rights. He noted that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been instrumental in safeguarding consumer interests by certifying products with standard marks, thereby curbing adulteration and counterfeit goods in the market.

Addressing the Manak Mahotsav organised at the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur on the occasion of World Standards Day, CM Sai administered a quality pledge to the audience, urging citizens to promote standardized products and contribute to BIS’s mission of quality assurance.

During the event, the Chief Minister felicitated standard clubs, institutions, and mentors for their special contribution to the promotion of standardization. He lauded the Bureau’s efforts, calling BIS “a key institution fostering a culture of quality across the country.”

Recalling how determining the purity of gold was once a challenge, CM Sai remarked, “Today, every consumer buys jewellery only after checking the BIS Hallmark. This hallmark has become a symbol of trust and authenticity for Indian consumers.”

He informed that BIS currently certifies around 22,000 different products — from packaged drinking water, helmets, and toys to jewellery — under its standard mark system. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of public awareness regarding these marks to encourage the production and use of quality-assured goods.

CM Sai said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, and standards will play a pivotal role in achieving that milestone. He added that due to improved quality and standardization, Made-in-India and Swadeshi products from small towns and villages are now earning recognition in global markets.

The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to spread awareness about quality certification, asserting that “the vision of a developed India can be realized only through the strengthening of consumer rights.” He added, “Quality is the true identity of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel, addressing the gathering, said that the objective of World Standards Day is to enhance awareness of standardization among consumers and society while acknowledging the contributions of scientists and technical experts. He emphasized that “India is developing rapidly, and quality improvement is no longer a policy — it has become a national commitment.”

Baghel added that the slogan ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ (Wake up, Consumer!) inspires citizens to stay vigilant and informed. He urged participants to share the insights gained from the workshop within society so that consumer protection becomes even more robust.

S.K. Gupta, Director of the BIS Raipur Branch Office, stated that every BIS standard is dedicated to safeguarding consumer rights. He said ensuring product quality remains the Bureau’s top priority and shared details of the organization’s ongoing initiatives in product standardization. Gupta reiterated that BIS’s mission is to ensure that every product manufactured in India meets international quality benchmarks.

*CM inspects various stalls at ‘Manak Mahotsav’*

As part of the World Standards Day celebrations, CM Vishnu Deo Sai visited various stalls set up by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and other institutions. He interacted with representatives, reviewed their initiatives related to standard-setting and quality control, and appreciated their efforts.

Representatives from CIPET Raipur informed the Chief Minister that the institute provides both short-term and long-term skill training to youth and extends quality consultancy and technical advisory services to industries. The Chief Minister praised CIPET’s efforts, describing it as “an exemplary model of industry-academia collaboration.”

At the BIS Raipur stall, officials showcased activities aimed at promoting consumer awareness. They informed the Chief Minister that through the ‘BIS Care’ mobile application, consumers can verify the authenticity of ISI-marked, HUID-tagged, and Hallmarked products.

The app also enables users to lodge complaints related to product quality and report misuse of the ISI mark. CM Sai called it “a major step toward empowering consumers through digital transparency.”

*Innovation-driven student exhibits steal the show*

Innovation-based stalls set up by school students became a major attraction at the Manak Mahotsav. CM Sai interacted with the students, lauding their creativity and scientific temperament.

Students from Government Higher Secondary School, Birkoni, developed a blood pressure monitoring device and a soil moisture testing machine. Pupils from Pt. R.D. Tiwari Government English Medium School showcased an “Explorer Robot”, capable of navigating dark and inaccessible spaces — a potential tool for use in mines and industrial facilities.

Meanwhile, students of Government Higher Secondary School, Anda, presented a “Smart Train” model designed especially to assist differently-abled passengers. CM Sai commended the students, saying, “When youth combine quality with innovation, India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation accelerates.”

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that quality should not be confined to industries or production but should become “a value system in every aspect of life.” He said, “Standards are not mere regulations; they are the backbone of nation-building.”

Urging all officers, institutions, and students to prioritize quality over quantity, CM Sai added, “Chhattisgarh must lead India in standardization, innovation, and transparency. When every citizen treats quality as a moral duty, the dream of a truly developed India will come true.”

The event was attended by NIT Raipur Director N.V. Ramanna Rao, Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce President Satish Thorani, SAIL Executive Director A.K. Chakravarty, CAIT President Parmanand Jain, Chhattisgarh Steel Re-Rollers Association President Sanjay Tripathi, and Chhattisgarh Jewellers Association President Kamal Soni.