Pulwama, Dec 27: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office conducted a sensitization program for Sarpanches and Panchayat Secretaries from six blocks—Kakapora, Newa, Pulwama, Litter, Shadimarg, and Achagooza—in the second phase of the initiative. The event took place at the Meeting Hall of RDD Complex, Pulwama.
The program, led by Standard Promotion Officer (SPO) Ashish Kumar Dwivedi and BIS Resource Person Mehak Rasool, saw active participation from Sarpanches, Panchayat Secretaries, and more than 70 PRI members.
Ashish Dwivedi, in his address, provided an overview of BIS’s operations and outlined the purpose of the sensitization program. He stressed the importance of opting for ISI-marked products for the benefit of the public, explaining the distinction between mandatory and non-mandatory ISI-marked products. “Choosing ISI-marked products contributes to the country’s growth and the well-being of its citizens,” he said.
The SPO also discussed the hallmarking of gold, offering insights into differentiating between hallmarked and non-hallmarked gold. He demonstrated the ‘BIS Care App’ and encouraged attendees to download it from the Google Play Store.
Mehak Rasool highlighted the significance of reaching out to people at the Panchayat level, emphasizing the awareness of standardization. She urged Panchayat Secretaries and Sarpanches to prioritize ISI-marked products in tenders floated by the rural development department.
Several Sarpanches expressed their appreciation for the BIS team’s efforts in initiating this sensitization campaign for Gram Panchayat representatives. They hoped for continued collaboration and growth in the relationship between PRI and BIS. “Today’s session provided us with unique and essential information that is crucial for our daily lives and PRI-initiated projects,” remarked the Sarpanches.
The Sarpanches and Panchayat Secretaries requested that such programs be conducted at the grassroots level to maximize the benefits for the local population.
