India’s Consumer Affairs Department Launches Big Push for Global-Grade Quality Standards
MSMEs to play key role as government emphasizes “no free passes” in India’s quality-first policy shift
New Delhi, May 28 (TheTrendingPeople.com): In a move poised to redefine India’s position in the global market, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has launched a vigorous campaign to promote world-class quality standards in Indian trade, manufacturing, and exports. Speaking at the Bharat Quality Mission event in New Delhi, Nidhi Khare, Secretary, DoCA, underscored the need for India to transition from quantity to quality-driven growth, particularly through its vast MSME ecosystem.
“For any sector—be it trade or commerce—being globally competitive is essential, and that starts with a firm commitment to quality,” Khare asserted, setting the tone for what could become a cornerstone in India’s new economic strategy.
The Quality Imperative
With Indian exports seeking greater traction in overseas markets, the government is doubling down on efforts to make Indian products more credible, durable, and globally accepted. At the same time, there’s growing acknowledgment that domestic consumers, too, expect high standards, and that quality is not just a trade issue—it’s a national priority.
“It’s not just about exports. Even our own citizens deserve quality. They expect reliability, safety, and value in what they buy,” said Khare, pointing to a cultural and economic shift towards consumer-centric governance.
MSMEs at the Heart of the Strategy
Recognizing that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for the majority of India’s manufacturing activity, the Department is actively engaging with these enterprises to help them adopt and implement quality standards.
“Since MSMEs are major contributors to manufacturing, we’re working closely with them to understand their challenges and support them in raising their standards,” Khare said.
India has over 63 million MSMEs, many of which struggle with compliance, resource constraints, and access to technology. The government's quality push includes addressing these structural gaps and ensuring that small businesses are not left behind in the quality revolution.
“No Free Passes” on Quality
In a powerful message, Khare made it clear that compromise is no longer an option when it comes to quality. The DoCA is set to ramp up regulatory oversight, stakeholder training, and industry outreach to drive home the message that poor quality has no place in India's future economy.
“Any nation that aspires to rise must ensure the credibility of its goods and services. There can be no free passes when it comes to quality,” she said.
Bharat Quality Mission: A Turning Point
The Bharat Quality Mission is a flagship initiative designed to create awareness, trust, and transformation in how Indian manufacturers and service providers approach quality. The program brings together policy makers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to align India’s industrial practices with international standards.
Key objectives include:
- Promoting compliance with global certification norms
- Boosting consumer trust through visible quality benchmarks
- Increasing India’s export competitiveness
- Reducing market access issues caused by subpar products
- Encouraging MSMEs to adopt new technologies and quality frameworks
The mission also aims to minimize regulatory hurdles while encouraging a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in product and service delivery.
A Call to Action for Industry
Industry leaders present at the event echoed the need for structural and cultural shifts in India’s production ecosystems. Several associations pledged support for the Mission’s goals and welcomed the government’s intention to partner with MSMEs rather than merely regulate them.
From manufacturers of consumer electronics to textile producers, the message is resonating: global success depends not just on price or scale, but on trusted quality.
A Roadmap for Global Trust
As India emerges as a key player in the global economy, quality will play an increasingly central role in shaping its economic trajectory. By emphasizing consumer satisfaction, export compliance, and MSME empowerment, the Department of Consumer Affairs is setting the foundation for what could be India’s next great economic leap.
In Summary:
- India is transitioning to a quality-first industrial policy.
- The government is actively engaging MSMEs, not just large firms.
- Quality assurance is being positioned as non-negotiable.
- The Bharat Quality Mission serves as the framework to build global trust in Indian goods and services.