Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, organized a ‘Manak Manthan’ at the BIS Chennai Branch Office, Chennai, on 27 August 2026, bringing together stakeholders, including representatives from footwear manufacturing industries and other sectors associated with the production, testing and quality assurance of footwear. The programme focused on creating awareness and facilitating stakeholder interaction on Draft Amendments of IS 15844 : PART 1:2023, IS 15844 : PART 2:2023, IS 15844 : PART 3:2024, Indian Standards on Sports Footwear, and IS 6721:2023, Sandal and Slippers, with the objective of promoting quality, safety and standardization in the footwear sector.
Welcoming the participants and outlining the objectives of the programme, Shri Muninarayana R, Scientist–E / Director, BIS Chennai Branch Office, highlighted the significance of stakeholder participation in the standardization process. He stated that ‘Manak Manthan’ serves as an important platform for direct interaction with stakeholders, enabling manufacturers, users of standards and other stakeholders to discuss Indian Standards, share practical experiences and provide valuable feedback. Such stakeholder inputs play a vital role in ensuring that Indian Standards remain responsive to technological advancements, industry requirements and practical implementation challenges. He further stated that through the Manak Manthan initiative, BIS continues to strengthen stakeholder engagement by bringing the standardization process closer to industry and encouraging greater adoption of Indian Standards.
A detailed technical discussion on Draft Amendments of IS 15844 : PART 1:2023, IS 15844 : PART 2:2023, IS 15844 : PART 3:2024, Indian Standards on Sports Footwear, and IS 6721:2023, Sandal and Slippers was conducted by Shri Pakki Balu, Scientist–C / Deputy Director, BIS Chennai Branch Office. He explained the key requirements prescribed in the standards relating to quality, performance, construction, materials, workmanship, durability and safety aspects of sports footwear, sandals and slippers. The session also highlighted the importance of adopting Indian Standards in ensuring consistency in product quality, enhancing consumer confidence and enabling manufacturers to produce reliable products that meet nationally recognized quality benchmarks. He also delivered a session on General Awareness on BIS Activities, familiarizing participants with BIS initiatives, standards formulation, conformity assessment, certification services and digital initiatives under e-BIS.
The programme concluded with an interactive Open House and feedback session, providing participants an opportunity to interact with BIS officials, seek clarifications and share their suggestions on the implementation of the standards and quality requirements for footwear products. The programme reaffirmed BIS Chennai's commitment towards strengthening stakeholder engagement, promoting awareness of Indian Standards and encouraging the adoption of quality standards across the footwear industry. Consumers and industry stakeholders were also advised to verify the authenticity of ISI Mark, Hallmark and CRS registrations through the BIS Care App, BIS Portal or by scanning the QR Code, wherever applicable.