The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Chennai Branch Office, in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CS&CA), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, organised a two-day workshop/seminar on standardization on November 4 and 5, 2026, at the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The programme was organised with the objective of creating awareness about the importance of Indian Standards, quality, safety, standardization and consumer protection among students, government officials and industrial personnel.
Day 1 – Workshop for Academic Institutions
The workshop on the first day was organised for students and academic participants, with around 50 students attending the programme. Shri Sai Chandra, Scientist-C/DD, BIS Chennai Branch Office, welcomed the participants and briefed them on the objectives of the workshop.
The Director, Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CS&CA), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, inaugurated the programme and highlighted the importance of quality consciousness and standardization among students and the younger generation.
Shri Pakki Balu, Scientist-C/DD, BIS Chennai Branch Office, delivered the technical session, covering the role of BIS in formulating Indian Standards, product quality, safety, certification and the significance of standards in everyday life.
The session also highlighted BIS initiatives to promote awareness of standards among students through BIS Standards Clubs. These clubs undertake various activities, including awareness programmes, quizzes, poster-making competitions, standardization-related projects and other student engagement activities. The importance of developing quality-conscious and responsible future consumers was also emphasised.
Day 2 – Morning Session: Workshop for Government Officials
The morning session on the second day was organised for government officials of the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CS&CA), with approximately 75 officials participating.
Shri Sai Chandra, Scientist-C/DD, BIS Chennai Branch Office, welcomed the participants. Shri Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (CS&CA), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, inaugurated the session and emphasised the relevance of Indian Standards in government functioning, public service delivery and consumer protection.
Shri Sai Chandra and Shri Pakki Balu, Scientist-C/DD, BIS Chennai Branch Office, jointly conducted the technical sessions. They explained the role and functions of BIS, the importance of Indian Standards, BIS certification schemes, quality assurance and the significance of standardization in ensuring the safety and reliability of products and services. The sessions also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between BIS and government departments to promote quality and awareness of standards.
Day 2 – Afternoon Session: Workshop for Industrial Personnel
An additional workshop was conducted in the afternoon of November 5, 2026, for industrial personnel, with around 25 participants attending.
Shri Pakki Balu, Scientist-C/DD, BIS Chennai Branch Office, conducted the session and provided insights into the importance of adopting relevant Indian Standards in industrial operations, quality management, product conformity and BIS certification. He also highlighted the benefits of standardization in enhancing product quality, safety and competitiveness.
The two-day programme witnessed the participation of approximately 150 people, comprising students, government officials and industrial representatives.
Through these workshops, BIS Chennai Branch Office reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing awareness of standards and promoting a culture of quality, safety and standardization among academic institutions, government departments and industries in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The programme also provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional collaboration between BIS and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for the wider dissemination and implementation of Indian Standards.