Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi today suggested the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to consider implementing mandatory hallmarking for silver and silver artefacts following consumer demands.

Addressing the gathering at the 78th Foundation Day celebration of the Bureau of Indian Standards in New Delhi, the minister said that the progress of the country will only be decided by its own standards. He added that since the inception of BIS in 1947, it has been instrumental in formulating, implementing, and promoting standards across diverse sectors.

The minister asserted that the cornerstone of the quality ecosystem is the implementation of quality control orders (QCOs). He said that QCOs not only protect the consumers but also enhance the global credibility of Indian industries. He mentioned that BIS till date has issued nearly two hundred QCOs impacting more than 750 products. Mr. Joshi also credited BIS for ensuring the standards of medical devices of the country.