Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC), in collaboration with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Guwahati Branch Office, organised a sensitization programme on quality standards and BIS certification for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at NIDC Conference Hall, Dimapur, on Saturday.
The programme brought together entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders, NIDC officials and BIS representatives to deliberate on the importance of standardisation, certification, product quality and consumer confidence in a competitive market.
Delivering the welcome address, NIDC general manager Temjenyanger Jamir underscored that quality was no longer optional but essential, particularly as markets become interconnected and consumers demand safety, reliability and compliance. He noted that while Nagaland produces innovative products, including organic goods, lack of certification often prevents local enterprises from accessing organised markets. He urged MSMEs to engage with BIS experts and utilise the programme to establish professional contacts for future certification processes.
BIS Guwahati director Shouvik Chanda highlighted the role of BIS as the National Standards Body of India, explaining its activities ranging from product certification and hallmarking services to management system certifications and educational outreach. He elaborated on ISI certification and ISO 9001 schemes, stressing that quality awareness was vital for both businesses and consumers.
NIDC chairman Kvulo Lorin, addressing as chief guest, called for a shift from awareness to implementation. He urged entrepreneurs to pursue certification without delay, remarking, “The time for sensitization is over; the time for implementation is now.” Lorin announced that NIDC would serve as a single window facilitation centre for MSMEs seeking certification, assisting with procedures, financing options and follow up support. He further committed to tracking progress over the next 90 days and publicly reporting outcomes based on actual certifications achieved.
Lorin also requested BIS to prepare simplified, industry specific guidance documents for sectors relevant to Nagaland, including food processing, bamboo and cane, textiles, handlooms and construction materials. He emphasised that structured systems and planning, rather than large investments, were key to achieving certification and competitiveness.
The programme concluded with technical sessions led by BIS officials covering product certification procedures, laboratory testing, conformity assessment mechanisms, management system schemes and interactive discussions with participants.