Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) had taken the initiative of creating BIS Standards Clubs in schools and colleges and has already created around 9000 Standards Clubs in schools and colleges all over India. BIS, Madurai has established 327 standard clubs in schools and colleges in southern Tamil Nadu.
The aim of these clubs is to develop a quality culture among students and to impart knowledge regarding Indian Standards and its relevance in day-to-day life. In BIS Standards Club, a science teacher is a mentor nominated by the Head of the institute to co-ordinate the activities of the Club. The club activities are aimed at creating vigilant consumers who are able to make quality conscious decisions while purchasing a product using consumer empowerment tools like BIS CARE APP.
Financial assistance is provided by BIS to conduct three activities related to Quality and Standardization in an academic year. Also, BIS provides a onetime financial support in form of lab equipment to supplement science labs of the Government schools for an amount up to Rs. 50,000/- where Standards Club has successfully conducted BIS Standard Club activities.
In this regard, BIS, Madurai conducted a Two-Day Residential Mentors Training Program for Mentors of BIS Standards Club at RR inn Group of Hotels, Tirunelveli on 8th and 9th February 2024. 41 Mentors from various Government schools and colleges located in Sivagangai, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli Theni and Virudhunagar districts participated in this training program.
Shri S. D. Dayanand, Senior Director and Head, BIS, Madurai presented the program objectives. He interacted with the mentors of BIS Standards Club and explained about the importance of Standardization and Quality in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Dr. S. Sidhardhan, Principal, Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli as Chief Guest presented the inaugural address. He informed that such more awareness program are to be conducted for the benefit of the consumers.
On the first day, the training program covered various topics like core activities of BIS, Features of BIS Care App, importance of quality and standardization in day to day life, types and structure of standards, Standards Club - Objectives and Guidelines, Roles and Responsibilities of Mentors.