There is no disputing the fact that Literacy is the backbone of a refined society and holds within itself, the ultimate power to propel the wheels of progress for a developing world. India has always been the home to a culture that attributes the highest order of significance to education. Here it will be interesting to note that when the world celebrates ‘International Literacy Day’ on 8th September every year, India celebrates ‘Teachers’ Day’ on 5th September, thus setting an example to prove how we time our priority and celebrate “education” even before the world does! This unveils the fact how important it is for India, known for her diverse traditions in the art of teaching and learning, to standardise its education system and preserve its sanctity. Here comes the role of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
BIS, The National Standards Body of India is involved in the activities of standardisation, marking and quality certification of goods and services. BIS till recently had been engaged in the preparation of product standards including for education sector e.g. standards related to Stationary (Chalk, Ink Blackboard etc.), Infrastructure, Learning aids, Food and Hygiene, Clothing/Shoes for students, e-learning, Sports related equipment, Instruments/equipment for use in Science Labs, Engineering Drawing etc.
Recently, BIS has forayed in the Service Sector for the 12 Champion Services Sector identified in the Indian National Strategy for Standardization (INSS) brought out by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Education being one of the champion Sector. A Sectional Committee for ‘Educational and Skill Development Services’ has been formulated with the scope “Standardization in the field of services offered by Educational service providers including the integration of information, learning, vocational and professional education and training with a view to disseminate its knowledge and promote its application”. One of the standard falling under the purview of this committee is IS/ISO 21001:2018, Educational organizations – Management systems for educational organisations – Requirements with guidance for use.
At international Level, BIS works in close coordination with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is a participating member on ISO/TC 232, ISO committee on Education and Learning Services which has formulated standards related to Learning services outside formal education and assessment of outcomes of learning services.
International Literacy Day is a reminder that education is a virtual tool that sculpts an individual, a nation. BIS, through its standards in education sector makes its humble contribution in maintaining India’s standard as a harbinger on the path of knowledge.
Written by:
Shikha Rana,
Sc “C”,
SSD Dept.
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