In news- RDSO (Research Design & Standards Organization) of Indian Railways has become the FIRST Institution to be declared Standard Developing Organization (SDO) under “One Nation One Standard” mission by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards).
About the mission-
- To attain the “ One Nation One Standard” vision of the Government of India, BIS launched a scheme which provides for “Recognition of SDO” in 2019.
- Through this scheme, BIS aims at aggregating and integrating the existing capabilities and dedicated domain specific expertise available with various organizations in the country engaged in standards development in their specific sectors.
- It then enables convergence of all standard development activities in the country resulting in “One National Standard for One Subject”.
- The onus of complying with the terms and conditions entails conformance to the established Six principles of Standardization with greater emphasis on maintaining Transparency, Openness, Impartiality, Effectiveness, Coherence and Development Dimension.
- Participatory approach to Development of standards involving all stakeholders in the process of standard making from the very early stages is set to reduce the time between development of standards and their ground adaptation or user utilisation.
- The initiative ushers in a faster transition from development of technology & innovation stage to actual use on ground.
About RDSO-
- Research Designs & Standards Organization (RDSO) is the sole R&D Wing of the Ministry of Railways, is one of India’s leading Standard formulating bodies undertaking standardization work for the railway sector.
- In 1903, the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA) was set up to provide for standardization and coordination amongst various Railway systems.
- This was followed by the Central Standards Office (CSO) established in 1930 at Shimla for preparation of designs, standards and specifications.
- The Research Section of the CSO was reorganized as Railway Testing Research Centre (RTRC) and established on 1st September 1952 as a separate Directorate of Railway Board with headquarters at Lucknow and two sub- centres at Lonavla and Chittaranjan
- In 1957, the CSO and RTRC were integrated into a single unit as Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at Lucknow.
- Functions include-
- Development of new and improved designs.
- Development,adoption, absorption of new technology for use on Indian Railways.
- Development of standards for materials and products specially needed by Indian Railways.
- Technical investigation, statutory clearances, testing and providing consultancy services.
- Inspection of critical and safety items of rolling stock,locomotives,signalling & telecommunication equipment and track components.
Its recent recognition will be valid for 3 years and will require renewal after completion of the validity period.
Bureau of Indian Standards-
- BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016.
- It is working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.
- The organisation was formerly the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- It is set up for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith.
- BIS is involved in following activities-
- Standards Formulation
- Product Certification Scheme
- Compulsory Registration Scheme
- Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
- Hall Marking Scheme
- Laboratory Services
- Laboratory Recognition Scheme
- Sale of Indian Standards
- Consumer Affairs Activities
- Promotional Activities
- Training Services, National & International level
- Information Services
Source: PIB
