Question : SUB STANDARD PRODUCTS

(a) whether several cases fake/sub-standard products being sold in the market despite having quality tags of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have been reported recently in the country and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the corrective steps taken in this regard;

(b) whether the Government proposes to bring amendments to the Bureau of Indian Standards Act to check sale of/recall such sub-standard goods carrying BIS mark;

(c) whether the Government has held any consultations with the stakeholders in this regard and if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(d) the other steps taken by the Government to ensure supply of quality and standard products to the consumers?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)

(a) : Yes, Madam. Several cases of fake ISI mark & substandard products carrying ISI mark have been reported. Immediate action is taken to carry out investigation in all such cases including search and seizure operations and filing of cases in the Court of law. The Details are given in Annexure-I.

(b) : Yes, Madam.

(c) : The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has already sought comments from stakeholders on the proposed amendments to the BIS Act, 1986, by hosting the proposed amendments on the website.

(d) : Continuous awareness programs to enhance consumer awareness to demand for quality product is being undertaken. Licensee meet and product review meetings are also held periodically to enhance quality & operation of BIS licenses and to provide quality product to consumers.