Historical Background: Origin of Quality in India – 03 – Evolution of Quality Institutions in India
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In the previous two articles, we explored the historical background of quality in India, from ancient Indian traditions and practices to the development of modern quality management. We also discussed the establishment of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), subsequently replaced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the contributions of organizations such as the National Centre for Quality Management (NCQM) and Quality Circle Forum of India (QCFI).
Over the years, several national institutions have contributed to strengthening India's quality infrastructure through standardization, accreditation, testing, calibration, certification, measurement science and quality promotion.
Let us briefly understand the background and contributions of some important institutions.
1. Quality Council of India (QCI)
The Quality Council of India (QCI) is an important milestone in the development of quality institutions in India. During the 1990s, the need was felt to establish a national accreditation structure that would be internationally recognized and promote confidence in conformity assessment activities.
The Union Cabinet took a decision in 1996 to establish QCI. Accordingly, it was set up in 1997 as an autonomous, non-profit organization through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the support of the Government of India and three major industry associations Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Accordingly QCI was established to create an accreditation structure in India and promote the quality movement through independent third-party assessment of products, services and processes. QCI functions through five constituent boards, each having its own area of responsibility.
2. Five Constituent Boards of QCI
(a) National Board for Quality Promotion (NBQP)
NBQP promotes quality consciousness and encourages the adoption of quality management practices across different sectors. Its activities include awareness programmes, workshops, training, conferences and promotion of quality tools and techniques, productivity improvement and continuous improvement.
(b) National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
The laboratory accreditation programme in India was initiated by the Department of Science and Technology during the Sixth Five-Year Plan period (1980–85). It was initially known as the National Coordination of Testing and Calibration Facilities (NCTCF). In 1993, it was renamed NABL. It was registered as a society in 1998 and subsequently became a constituent board of QCI in 2017.
NABL provides accreditation to testing, calibration and medical laboratories, among other conformity assessment facilities. Its accreditation helps establish confidence in the technical competence of laboratories and the reliability of their results.
(c) National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)
Established in 2005 as a constituent board of QCI, NABH promotes quality and patient safety in healthcare organizations. It provides accreditation and certification programmes for hospitals and other healthcare providers, encouraging systematic processes, better patient care and continuous improvement in healthcare services.
(d) National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)
NABCB provides accreditation to certification bodies, inspection bodies and validation and verification bodies. Its activities cover areas such as Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001), Food Safety Management Systems (ISO 22000), product certification and inspection. It helps establish confidence in the competence of conformity assessment bodies.
(e) National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)
NABET works towards improving the quality of education, training and skill development. Its activities include assessment and accreditation of educational institutions and training organizations, as well as assessment activities in areas such as environmental impact assessment consultancy.
Together, these five boards support quality promotion and accreditation across several sectors of the Indian economy.
3. Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate
The Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) programme came into existence in 1977 under the then Department of Electronics, Government of India. It was established to assist the Indian electronics industry in improving the quality of its products and services. STQC functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It provides testing, calibration, inspection, certification and training services in electronics, information technology and related areas.
An important milestone was achieved in 1991 when STQC Certification Services became the first third-party certification agency of Indian origin in India to offer Quality Management System (QMS) certification. Its activities include ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 certification, product safety certification, website quality certification and testing and certification of smart cards and biometric devices. Indian Institute of Quality Management (IIQM) operates under STQC Directorate.
4. CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL-India)
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), India, is one of the earliest national laboratories established under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The foundation stone of NPL was laid by the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on 4 January 1947. Its main building was formally inaugurated by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on 21 January 1950. NPL is India's National Metrology Institute (NMI). Its primary responsibility is to establish, maintain and improve national measurement standards. It supports measurement accuracy and traceability through research, calibration services and reference materials.
5. Other Institutions Contributing to Quality
Several other national institutions contribute to quality assurance, productivity improvement and consumer protection in specific sectors.
- National Productivity Council (NPC): Promotes productivity and organizational competitiveness through consultancy, training, research and advisory services, including activities relating to quality management and operational excellence.
- Export Inspection Council (EIC): Established under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963, it provides an institutional framework for quality control and inspection of export products.
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it lays down science-based food standards and regulates food safety in India.
These institutions illustrate the importance of quality across manufacturing, healthcare, education, food safety, exports and services.
Conclusion
The institutional development of quality in India reflects the growing recognition of quality as an essential element of economic development, industrial competitiveness, consumer protection and societal well-being. From the establishment of the Indian Standards Institution in 1947 to the development of institutions such as BIS, NCQM, QCFI, NABL, NABH, NABCB, NABET, NBQP, STQC, IIQM, NPL, NPC, EIC, FSSAI, India has progressively strengthened its quality infrastructure. The journey towards quality excellence in India is continuous, and every organization and individual has a role to play.
Readers may also like to read the previously published articles in this series:
1. Historical Background: Origin of Quality in India – 01 – Click Here
2. Historical Background: Origin of Quality in India – 02 – Click Here
Regards,
Keshav Ram Singhal
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