Why in news?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 79th Foundation Day on 6 January 2026. During the event the organisation launched several initiatives, including the SHINE Scheme (Standards Help Inform and Nurture Empowered Women), a beta version of its Standardisation Portal, new educational comic books and the BIS‑SAKSHAM recognition programme. The SHINE scheme is designed to empower women by making them active participants in India’s quality movement.
Background
The Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body established under the BIS Act 2016. It replaced the Indian Standards Institution and functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. BIS formulates and enforces standards for goods and services, operates product certification schemes (such as the ISI and Hallmark marks), promotes quality awareness and represents India in international standardisation forums. Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
About the SHINE scheme
- Women‑centric approach: SHINE places women at the centre of India’s quality journey. It seeks to train women to understand standards, safety and quality and to use this knowledge to protect their families and strengthen livelihoods.
- Structured training: The scheme will provide structured programmes and grassroots outreach through non‑governmental organisations, self‑help groups and community networks. Training will be delivered in local languages and tailored to regional needs.
- Empowerment and livelihoods: By familiarising women with quality standards in products such as food, household goods and textiles, the scheme aims to improve family health and open opportunities for women entrepreneurs and artisans.
Other announcements at the event
- BIS Standardisation Portal: A digital platform was launched in beta mode to streamline the process of developing, commenting on and publishing standards.
- BIS educational literature: A set of comic books featuring characters like Raj & BIS was released through the government’s digital library to introduce children to concepts of quality and standardisation.
- BIS‑SAKSHAM: A recognition scheme intended to honour individuals and organisations who contribute to the growth of standardisation and consumer safety.
Significance
- Empowering women: By making women ambassadors of quality, the scheme supports the goal of safer products and households. It also encourages women to participate in small‑scale manufacturing and crafts.
- Digital transformation: The Standardisation Portal will make the process of setting and updating standards more transparent and participatory.
- Culture of quality: Educational comics and recognition programmes aim to instil a culture of quality from a young age, contributing to consumer awareness and better compliance by industry.
Sources: PIB
