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The Quality Council of India (QCI) has announced a series of reforms to modernise quality standards across laboratories, hospitals, manufacturing units and micro‑, small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs). The initiatives aim to simplify accreditation, promote digital certification and expand quality training for small businesses.
Background
Established in 1997, the Quality Council of India is an autonomous organisation jointly promoted by the Government of India and industry associations including ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI. It functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and serves as the national accreditation body. Through boards such as the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) and the National Board for Quality Promotion (NBQP), QCI provides independent, third‑party assessments of products, services and personnel.
Highlights of the new reforms
- Q Mark: A new QR‑coded quality mark will allow laboratories, hospitals and MSMEs to display compliance. When scanned, the code provides customers with accreditation details, thereby building trust.
- Quality Setu: A ticket‑based grievance redressal platform will help businesses resolve certification issues and obtain guidance on quality standards in a timely manner.
- Digital accreditation: A single, paperless modular platform will streamline accreditation across QCI boards. This will reduce duplication and simplify renewal processes.
- Mentoring MSMEs: The council plans to mentor small suppliers to obtain “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” (ZED) and Lean certifications. Training programmes will reach around one lakh MSMEs and self‑help groups, focusing on quality, packaging and branding under the “One District, One Product” scheme.
- Quality Passport: Certifications accredited by NABCB will be recognised worldwide through a “quality passport”, enabling faster access to global markets.
- Reforms in laboratories: NABL will introduce industry‑specific accreditation schemes and train 5,000 laboratory personnel to position India as an international testing hub.
- Penalties and accountability: A transparent penalty framework will hold certification bodies and assessors accountable for lapses.
Sources: News on Air