Sri Vijaya Puram, November 12: Awareness of product quality, safety standards and consumer protection among students, government departments and industrial establishments was the focus of a two-day workshop organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Chennai Branch Office, in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CS&CA), Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
Held at the Directorate’s office in Sri Vijaya Puram, the programme brought together students, government officials and industrial personnel to discuss the role of Indian Standards in ensuring product quality, improving safety and strengthening consumer protection.
The Director of CS&CA inaugurated the workshop and emphasised the importance of developing quality consciousness and awareness of standardisation among students and younger people. Around 50 students participated in the first day’s programme, which focused on introducing academic participants to the importance of standards in everyday life.
Sai Chandra, Scientist-C and Deputy Director at the BIS Chennai Branch Office, outlined the objectives of the workshop and explained the importance of familiarising participants with Indian Standards and their practical applications.
A technical session led by Pakki Balu, Scientist-C and Deputy Director at BIS Chennai Branch Office, covered the Bureau’s role in developing Indian Standards, product quality requirements, safety provisions and certification processes. The session also examined how standards influence the quality and safety of products used in daily life.
The second day began with a dedicated session for officials of the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. Deputy Director Rajesh Kumar inaugurated the programme and highlighted the relevance of Indian Standards in government operations, public service delivery and consumer protection.
Sai Chandra and Pakki Balu jointly conducted the technical sessions for government officials. They explained the functions and responsibilities of BIS and discussed opportunities for cooperation between the standards body and government departments to expand awareness of quality requirements and standardisation.
The discussions also focused on the relevance of Indian Standards to departmental functioning and the role that government institutions can play in promoting awareness of quality and safety among consumers.
An additional session targeted industrial personnel, with scientists from the BIS Chennai Branch Office conducting the workshop. The programme extended the discussion on standardisation beyond academic institutions and government offices to participants from the industrial sector.
The two-day initiative covered three distinct groups, students, government officials and industrial personnel, with sessions tailored to their respective roles in promoting awareness of Indian Standards, product safety and quality.
