*Quality Must Not Be Compromised in the Pursuit of Affordability; Standards Build Consumer Confidence: Rajesh Nagar*
*BIS Certification, Standard Mark and Legal Metrology Play a Crucial Role in Protecting Consumers: Rajesh Nagar*
*Haryana’s MSMEs Can Strengthen Competitiveness by Adopting Indian Standards for Emerging Clean-Energy Technologies: Rajesh Nagar*
Chandigarh, October 2026 : Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar on Wednesday said that standards are fundamental to ensuring product safety, consumer protection, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development. He said that standards must serve as instruments of quality, safety, sustainability and inclusive development, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7—Affordable and Clean Energy and the broader Sustainable Development Goals. The Minister called for making quality a shared responsibility and standards a common pathway towards a more sustainable Haryana and a better India.
While addressing the celebration of World Standards Day 2026, organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Northern Regional Office here in Chandigarh. He said that standards may often appear to be technical documents, but their impact is directly felt in the everyday lives of citizens—from the quality of food and essential commodities to the safety of electrical appliances and the accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments.
He said that this year’s theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy,” highlights the importance of accessible, reliable and sustainable energy in achieving economic growth and improving quality of life. Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that affordable and clean energy is not merely an environmental objective; it is also essential for agriculture, food security, industrial development and public services. He said that India’s transition towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric mobility, energy storage and green hydrogen is opening new opportunities for citizens and industry. However, these technologies must be safe, reliable, energy-efficient and fit for their intended purpose. Standards provide the technical foundation needed to ensure that the clean-energy transition takes place safely and sustainably.
Emphasising the relevance of standards for Haryana, the Minister said that the state’s strong agricultural base, expanding industrial sector, growing MSME ecosystem and developing urban centres all depend on reliable energy and quality infrastructure. He stressed that affordability must go hand in hand with quality, safety and performance. Highlighting the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that BIS plays a vital role in developing and promoting Indian Standards across sectors, including solar energy systems, wind energy, energy storage, electric mobility, charging infrastructure, power transmission and energy management. These standards help build confidence among consumers and businesses while supporting the adoption of clean-energy technologies.
As Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Nagar also underscored the direct connection between standards and consumer welfare. He said that the quality of commodities supplied through public distribution systems, food products and packaging, storage and warehousing facilities, and the accuracy of measurements used in trade have a significant bearing on public health, food security and consumer interests. Referring to foodgrain storage infrastructure, he highlighted the importance of Indian Standards IS 16144:2014, which provides a code of practice for foodgrain storage godowns, and IS 609:2020, which provides guidance for improving existing foodgrain storage structures. He said that adherence to appropriate standards helps strengthen food quality, storage practices and consumer protection.
The Minister further stated that standardisation, certification and legal metrology complement one another in ensuring fairness in the marketplace. Consumers should be able to purchase products with confidence that their quality, quantity, safety and performance meet applicable requirements. He emphasised the importance of the BIS certification system and the Standard Mark in building consumer trust. However, he said that consumer awareness is equally important. Citizens should know what the Standard Mark signifies, how to verify its authenticity and how to lodge complaints against substandard products or the misuse of certification marks.
Sh. Rajesh Nagar appreciated the consumer awareness and outreach initiatives undertaken by the BIS Haryana Branch Office, including engagement with consumer organisations and SHINE programmes across districts. He said that such initiatives bring awareness about standards, quality assurance and consumer rights closer to citizens and encourage informed purchasing decisions. Discussing coordination between BIS and the Haryana Government, the Minister said that the State Level Coordination mechanism supports cooperation between BIS and state authorities in implementing quality requirements, including Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and action against the misuse of Standard Marks. He also highlighted the role of State and District Consumer Commissions, the Consumer Helpline and awareness initiatives in strengthening consumer protection.
He also said that the Legal Metrology Organisation plays an important role in ensuring fairness in commercial transactions through the inspection and verification of weighing and measuring instruments and checks on the net contents of packaged commodities. Effective implementation of Quality Control Orders, he added, helps prevent substandard products from reaching consumers and supports quality assurance across sectors such as automobiles and engineering, steel and metals, textiles, electrical goods and consumer products.
The Minister also acknowledged BIS’s engagement with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He said that MSME outreach programmes conducted across districts help enterprises understand Indian Standards, certification requirements and quality-control practices. Adopting standards should be viewed not merely as a regulatory requirement but as an opportunity to improve quality, strengthen competitiveness and build consumer confidence.
Sh. Rajesh Nagar congratulated the Bureau of Indian Standards on organising World Standards Day 2026 and appreciated its continued efforts to strengthen the quality ecosystem. He called for coordinated efforts by government departments, industry, standards institutions and consumer organisations to promote a culture in which quality is valued, standards are understood, compliance is respected and consumers are empowered.
In the programme, the BIS officials welcomed Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, by presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. The minister was also honored by presenting him with a shawl.
The programme was attended by Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Deputy Director General, Northern Regional Office, BIS, Sh. Deepak Kumar Singla, along with senior officials, industry representatives, consumer organisations, academicians and other dignitaries.
