The 79th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was marked in New Delhi with the launch and release of several initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s standards ecosystem. BIS, the national standards body under the Department of Consumer Affairs, continues to expand its role in product safety, quality assurance, digital transformation, and international standardisation.
BIS and India’s Quality Ecosystem
BIS now has more than 23,300 Indian Standards in force. These cover traditional sectors as well as emerging areas such as renewable energy, electric mobility, smart infrastructure, digital technologies, sustainability, green products, bomb disposal systems, and electric agricultural tractors. The institution has shifted from a compliance-driven model to a facilitation-oriented quality framework.
Major Launches and Reforms
Several initiatives were introduced on the occasion:
- The beta version of the BIS Standardisation Portal was launched to integrate the full standards development cycle on one digital platform.
- The SHINE scheme was introduced to sensitise women and self-help groups on Indian standards.
- BIS educational material was released on Rashtriya e-Pustakalay to promote awareness among children and adolescents.
- BIS-SAKSHAM, an annual excellence recognition scheme, was also launched.
Hallmarking, MSMEs and Digital Push
BIS brought into light reforms in hallmarking and certification. The Silver HUID Hallmarking Scheme, launched on 1 September 2025, has already covered over 21 lakh silver articles. BIS also provides fee concessions for MSMEs, including 80% relief for micro units, 50% for small units, and 20% for medium enterprises. Digital tools such as the Manak Online Portal, fast-track licensing, and cluster-based testing facilities have improved efficiency and transparency.
Academic Outreach and Global Standing
BIS expanded its academic engagement through new MoUs with IIIT Dharwad, IIT Palakkad, and NIT Arunachal Pradesh. More than 21,000 engineering students are already enrolled across 400-plus student chapters. BIS also strengthened its global presence through participation in international standardisation forums, including the IEC General Meeting, and continued efforts to align Indian standards with global best practices.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026