Why in the News?
The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry inaugurated the new unified headquarters of the Quality Council of India (QCI) at the World Trade Centre in New Delhi.
About Quality Council of India (QCI):
- Establishment: QCI was set up in 1997 as an autonomous, non-profit body through a public-private partnership between the GoI and industry associations ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI.
- Legal Status: It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Leadership: Ratan Tata was QCI’s first Chairman; the current chairman is appointed by Prime Minister.
- Parent Department: QCI works under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Role: Acts as India’s national accreditation body, offering independent assessments of products, services, and processes.
- Mission: To improve quality standards in key areas like education, healthcare, environment, governance, and infrastructure.
- Financial Model: It is a self-sustaining organisation, generating its own revenue without regular government funding.
Structure, Divisions, and Key Functions:
- Governing Council: A 38-member council with equal representation from government, industry, and stakeholders oversees QCI.
- Key Divisions: QCI operates through 5 major boards, each focusing on a different sector:
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- National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers
- National Accreditation Board for Education and Training
- National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies
- National Board for Quality Promotion
- Core Activities:
- Develops accreditation systems and quality frameworks.
- Conducts third-party audits for schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
- Runs the National Quality Campaign to build a culture of quality across sectors.
- Helps boost India’s global competitiveness through quality certification and awareness initiatives.
| [UPSC 2017] With reference to Quality Council of India (QCI), consider the following statements:
1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry. 2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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