The Quality Council of India (QCI) was established in 1996 as India’s primary national organization overseeing accreditation. The QCI was created through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, functioning autonomously with support from the Government of India and Indian industry. The three premier industry associations – Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) – represented the Indian industry in setting up QCI.
Being a non-profit enterprise, QCI is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serves as its nodal ministry.
Structure and Objectives of QCI
QCI operates under the governance of a Council comprising 38 members, of which the government, industry and consumers equally share representation. The Prime Minister appoints QCI’s Chairman based on the recommendation of the industry to the government.
QCI’s key objective revolves around creating an independent third-party evaluation mechanism for products, services, and processes. Its role extends to a wide range of activities like education, healthcare, environment protection, governance, social sectors, infrastructure and other areas significant for improving the quality of life and wellbeing of India’s citizens.
Significance of QCI’s Contributions
The QCI has significantly impacted various public sectors. Its initiative for quality consciousness has transformed the entire coal ecosystem, elevating the coal industry’s perception of quality. Collaboration with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has enhanced the quality of food grains reaching consumers, primarily underprivileged ones. Now, the distribution process of these food grains is entirely technologically enabled using biometrics under One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), allowing beneficiaries to pick up their food from anywhere in the nation.
QCI’s contributions also extend to the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative that encourages products from remote areas to reach Indian and international markets. Its efforts have been instrumental in the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging initiative and completing the Swacch Survekshan survey.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Previous Year Questions on QCI
A past question in the UPSC Civil Services Examination related to QCI asked candidates if the QCI was jointly set up by the Government of India and the Indian Industry, and whether the QCI chairman was appointed by the Prime Minister on the industry’s recommendation to the government. The correct answer to both statements, as reflected in the 2017 exam, was that both were accurate.
Commemorating 25 Years of QCI
Recently, the QCI has celebrated 25 years of its existence. To mark this anniversary, QCI launched the campaign ‘Gunvatta Se Atmanirbharta: India’s Quality Movement.’ This movement aims to celebrate India’s quality hubs, raise awareness about India’s landmark achievements, and inform people about initiatives to enhance all citizens’ quality of life.