Shillong: A one-day Sensitization Programme on Quality Standards and BIS Certification for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was successfully organized on 11 June 2026 at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Commerce & Industries, Shillong, Meghalaya. The programme brought together around 60 entrepreneurs, industry representatives, government officials, and technical experts to promote awareness of quality standards, certification processes, and quality management systems among MSMEs.
The programme was organized with the objective of encouraging MSMEs to adopt Indian Standards, understand BIS Product Certification Schemes, implement Quality Management Systems, and strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements. The event also provided a platform for direct interaction between MSMEs and experts from quality infrastructure institutions.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Aimeka Dkhar, Assistant Director, Directorate of Commerce & Industries, Government of Meghalaya, who highlighted the importance of quality standards in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Moonlander Wanshong, Director of Commerce & Industries, Government of Meghalaya, emphasized the crucial role of quality standards in improving industrial productivity, market acceptance of products, and long-term business growth. He encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt standardized manufacturing practices and quality certification schemes to enhance customer confidence and competitiveness.
Shouvik Chanda, Director & Head, BIS Guwahati Branch Office, provided an overview of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and its role in promoting quality, safety, and consumer protection through standardization, conformity assessment, and certification activities.
Speaking on the importance of quality and safety standards in public health, Dr. (Mrs.) Wadamika Lyngdoh, Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety (Technical), Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted the need for regulatory compliance and consumer protection through standardized quality practices.
A technical session on the BIS Product Certification Process and Grant of Licence Procedure was conducted by Dr. Shasanka Sekhar Borkotoky, Consultant (Standardization Activities), BIS, and Jishnu Das, Standard Promotion Officer, BIS. The session covered application procedures, documentation requirements, product testing, conformity assessment, factory inspections, and licence grant and renewal processes.
An interactive session on Quality Management System (QMS) Certification was delivered by Shouvik Chanda, who elaborated on the benefits of adopting structured quality management systems for improving operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and organizational performance.
The participants also benefited from a technical presentation by Dr. Harekrishna Deka, Head (In-Charge), CIPET Guwahati, who highlighted the testing facilities, technical support services, quality assurance mechanisms, and skill development opportunities available to MSMEs.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants sought clarifications on BIS certification, Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), ISO certification, and testing requirements. The discussions enabled meaningful engagement between industry stakeholders and technical experts.
The programme successfully enhanced awareness among MSMEs regarding BIS certification, Indian Standards, and quality management systems. It is expected to encourage greater adoption of quality standards, improve regulatory compliance, and strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs in Meghalaya.
