In a major push toward strengthening the state’s quality ecosystem and ensuring accountability in government spending, the Odisha administration has directed all state departments to prioritize the procurement and use of ISI-marked products.
The decision was reinforced during the 3rd State Level Committee on Standardization (SLCS) meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, IAS. The committee outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at embedding Indian Standards into government projects, educational institutions, and public service delivery.
A primary highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on standardizing public procurement processes. Government departments have been advised to actively refer to and implement Indian Standards in their procurement guidelines, ensuring that goods purchased using public funds meet recognized quality, safety, and reliability benchmarks.
“Ensuring quality in public procurement is paramount. Mandating the use of ISI-marked products wherever applicable will ensure that public infrastructure and services remain safe, reliable, and durable,” noted officials during the session.
To support the quality drive, the committee discussed plans to establish a state-of-the-art BIS Office-cum-Laboratory Complex in Odisha. This initiative, along with broader enhancements to the state’s existing testing infrastructure, aims to make product verification faster and more accessible for both public departments and private enterprises.
Beyond public procurement, the roadmap places significant emphasis on grassroots engagement and consumer protection:
- Official Capacity Building: Training government personnel on standardized procurement protocols.
- Consumer Empowerment: Promoting the widespread use of the BIS CARE App to help citizens verify ISI-marked goods and hallmarked gold jewellery in real time.
- Youth Engagement: Strengthening ‘Standards Clubs’ across schools and educational institutions to foster a culture of quality consciousness from a young age.
Through these coordinated efforts between the Government of Odisha and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the state aims to establish a benchmark for high-quality public service delivery and consumer rights protection.
