Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), organized an “Awareness Programme for MSMEs” and “Manak Manthan on Wide Circulation draft CHD 19 (34122) WC, the draft Indian standard on School Shoes for Boys and Girls — Specification” on 27 May 2026 in Hybrid Mode at Ambur. The programme witnessed active participation from MSMEs, footwear manufacturers, leather industry representatives, traders, testing laboratories, entrepreneurs and stakeholders from Vellore, Ranipet, Ambur and surrounding leather industry clusters.

 

The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness among MSMEs and stakeholders from the footwear and leather sector regarding Indian Standards, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), conformity assessment and testing requirements, while also facilitating stakeholder consultation on the Wide Circulation draft CHD 19 (34122) WC, the draft Indian standard on School Shoes for Boys and Girls.

Delivering the Welcome Address and Programme Objectives, Shri S. D. Dayanand, Scientist–F / Senior Director & Head, BIS Chennai, emphasized the importance of standards in ensuring quality, safety and reliability in footwear products, particularly school shoes used by children. He highlighted the role of Indian Standards and relevant Quality Control Orders applicable to footwear and leather products, and stated that BIS organizes such programmes to create awareness among industries regarding compliance requirements, strengthen consumer confidence and support Indian manufacturers in producing quality products comparable to global standards. He further noted that adoption of Indian Standards enhances product reliability, facilitates market access and helps industries build trust among consumers.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Ms. M. Shanmugapriya, Assistant Engineer, District Industries Centre, Vellore, who briefed participants on various Central and State Government schemes available for MSMEs and entrepreneurs. She elaborated on PMEGP subsidy schemes, PMFME scheme for food processing sectors, capital subsidy schemes for manufacturing enterprises, support for women entrepreneurs, and initiatives such as NEEDS and Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS). She also highlighted the efforts of the Government in promoting first-generation entrepreneurs through financial assistance, training, marketing support and loan facilitation schemes.

The draft Indian standard on School Shoes for Boys and Girls was conducted by Shri Dr. J. Mahesh Kumar, Scientist–C, Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), who elaborated on the draft standard and discussed the technical and quality requirements relating to school shoes for boys and girls. The session focused on the importance of standardization in ensuring durability, comfort, safety and quality consistency in footwear products intended for school children.

A session on BIS and e-BIS was delivered by Shri Pakki Balu, Scientist–C / Deputy Director, BIS Chennai, who explained various BIS activities, online services and digital initiatives under e-BIS. During the Awareness Session for MSMEs, he highlighted the importance of MSMEs as the backbone of India’s economy and discussed Quality Control Orders and applicable Indian Standards for leather and footwear products covering both domestic manufacturing and imports. He also elaborated on the special support schemes and concessions being extended by Bureau of Indian Standards to make certification more accessible for MSMEs, including concession on annual minimum marking fees of 80% for micro enterprises and for startup enterprises, 50% for small enterprises, 20% for medium enterprises and an additional 10% concession for women entrepreneur-led enterprises.

Shri Niraj Kumar Mahato, Scientist–C / Deputy Director, BIS Chennai, addressed participants on Financial Aid for MSME Clusters for Creating Test Facilities and explained the support provided by BIS for establishing testing infrastructure to strengthen quality assurance capabilities among MSMEs.

In the session on “Assistance to MSMEs by National Test House”, Shri S. Mani, Scientist–D (Mech.), National Test House (SR), Chennai, highlighted the role of National Test House (NTH), one of India’s premier multidisciplinary testing laboratories under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. He elaborated on the testing, calibration, consultancy and training facilities available at NTH for various industrial sectors including footwear, textiles, electrical, civil, mechanical and consumer products. He also informed participants about the upcoming footwear testing facilities at NTH (SR) Chennai and encouraged MSMEs to utilize the testing and quality evaluation services available to strengthen product quality and compliance.

The programme concluded with an Open House and Interactive Session, during which participants actively engaged with experts and officials from Bureau of Indian Standards, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, National Test House and District Industries Centre on standards, testing facilities, certification requirements, government schemes and implementation challenges faced by MSMEs and footwear manufacturers.

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