BIS conducts 3-day training prog for mentors, teachers, resource persons at SKICC

Srinagar, April 25: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), National Standards Body of India, has introduced a new initiative called “Learning Science via Standards” aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of scientific concepts through practical applications in manufacturing, functioning and quality testing of various products as per relevant Indian Standards. This initiative is a continuation of BIS’s earlier efforts to establish Standards Clubs in educational institutions across India.
To date, over 10,000 such clubs have been established, boasting a membership of more than three lakh students across the country. Notably, in the Kashmir Valley alone, around 175 standard clubs have been set up, engaging over 3,500 students. To conduct the activities of these clubs, over 5,000 science teachers have been trained as mentors nationwide.
As part of the “Learning Science via Standards” series and to train the mentors of standard club, science teachers and Resource Person, three-day training was organised by, Jammu and Kashmir Branch office of Bureau of Indian Standards from April 23 to April 25, 2024, at SKICC, Srinagar. Distinguished dignitaries from BIS and the Education Department of Kashmir participated in the program:
1. Shri P. Rajeev, Scientist-G and Deputy Director General, BIS Northern Region
2. Shri Tilak Raj, Director and Head, BIS Jammu and Kashmir Branch office
3. Shri Kush Sharma, Sc.D and Joint Director, BIS TNMD Department, New Delhi
4. Shri Hitesh Yadav, Sc. B and Assistant Director, Jammu and Kashmir Branch office
5. Shri Hillal Ahmad Bhatt, Personnel Officer, Directorate of School Education, Kashmir
6. Shri A. H. Fani, Chief Education Officer, Srinagar
7. Shri Ashish Kumar Dwivedi, Standard Promotion Officer, BIS-JKBO
Approximately 90 individuals, including mentors, science teachers, and resource persons from the Kashmir Valley, took part in the program.
During the inaugural session Shri Tilak Raj, Director and Head of the BIS Jammu and Kashmir Branch office, extended a warm welcome to all the participants and highlighted the concerted efforts and support provided by the Education Department of the Kashmir Valley.
Shri P. Rajeev, Scientist-G and Deputy Director General, BIS Northern Region, stressed the significance of fostering children’s creativity and scientific temperament, highlighting the crucial role mentors play in guiding the activities of standards clubs. He emphasized the necessity for mentors to grasp the concepts behind standards and their importance in the quality ecosystem.
Shri Hillal Ahmad Bhatt, Personnel Officer from the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, addressed the participants, informing them about the latest government policies aimed at enhancing the quality of education for students in the Kashmir Valley. He also emphasized the significant role of standards established by BIS in fostering a quality-conscious atmosphere throughout India.
To realize this vision, BIS-JKBO organized a comprehensive training program, encompassing technical lectures deliver by Shri Hitesh Yadav, Sc.B/Asst Director on various topics such as an overview of BIS activities, quality and standardization concepts at the national and international levels, types of standardization, benefits of standardization. Additionally, features of the BIS website, the Know Your Standards portal for free download of Indian Standards, and the BIS Care App were demonstrated, complemented by classroom/group activities on standards writing across diverse subjects.
Under the guidance of Shri Kush Sharma, Joint Director at BIS, the training program for science teachers and mentors delved into the significance of science in daily life, its relationship with quality and standards, and the role of science teachers in promoting quality and standards. Detailed discussions were held on the concept and methodology of learning science via standards, along with an examination of lesson plans developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. He also appraised about the , Standards Promotions Activities and engagements with academia- Genesis of Standards Clubs and its activities , Orientation Films, objectives and guidelines for Standards Clubs, and the role and responsibilities of mentors.
Moreover, to offer participants firsthand exposure to the scientific principles applied in manufacturing processes, an industry visit to M/s Trumboo Cement Industry Khunmoh was meticulously organized.
In the concluding session, Shri A. H. Fani, the Chief Education Officer of Srinagar, took the opportunity to engage with the participants, encouraging them to share their feedback and insights about the program. Furthermore, Shri Fani elaborated on the significance of quality and science in the personal and professional lives of individuals. He emphasized how a strong foundation in these areas equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive world. By understanding and adhering to quality standards, individuals can ensure the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of products and services, thereby contributing to overall societal progress and well-being. As a gesture of recognition and appreciation for their participation and engagement in the training program, Shri Fani personally handed out certificates to the attendees.
The coordination of the Training Programme was expertly managed by Shri Ashish Kumar Dwivedi, Standard Promotion Officer at BIS-JKBO. Participants whole heartedly commended the program, acknowledging its pivotal role in enriching their comprehension of standard structures and technical intricacies.