Shopian : The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jammu & Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO), in coordination with the Legal Metrology Department, Shopian, conducted a District Level Officers (DLO) Sensitization Programme at the Mini Secretariat, Shopian. The programme was presided over by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone.
The programme aimed to sensitise government departments and other stakeholders about the role of BIS in ensuring the quality, safety and reliability of products used by consumers and government organisations, while promoting greater awareness and adoption of Indian Standards. During the programme, Manish Kumar, Scientist-D/Joint Director, BIS, and Saaqib Rahi, Scientist-C/Deputy Director, BIS, provided comprehensive insights into the activities and initiatives of BIS. The sessions covered an overview of BIS, Conformity Assessment, Mandatory and Voluntary Certification, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), Hallmarking, the BIS CARE App, and other important aspects of standardisation and quality assurance. A key focus of the programme was on the procurement of products conforming to the relevant Indian Standards by government departments and public institutions.
The importance of specifying applicable Indian Standards and ensuring conformity with prescribed quality requirements during procurement was discussed in detail. The participants were also sensitised about BIS Hallmarking and its role in assuring the purity and authenticity of precious metal articles. The discussion highlighted the importance of purchasing hallmarked jewellery and the role of consumers and government stakeholders in promoting quality-conscious practices. The ADDC appreciated the initiative of BIS and the Legal Metrology Department in creating awareness among government officials and stakeholders regarding quality standards and consumer protection.
Around 80 participants from various departments, including Health, Roads & Buildings (R&B), Education, Legal Metrology, Consumer Affairs, Tehsil Offices and other government departments, actively participated in the programme. The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for participants to raise queries and seek clarification on BIS certification, procurement requirements, hallmarking and applicable standards. The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening coordination between BIS and government departments and promoting the use of quality-assured, standards-compliant products in public procurement and service delivery.
