Govt extends implementation of steel quality order by 2 mths

Aimed at introducing a quality regime in the steel sector, the government today said it has extended by another two months the date for implementation of Stainless Steel Products (Quality Control) Order.
The earlier deadline expired today and the present extension was necessitated as licensing process by BIS would take some more time, the Steel Ministry said in a statement.
The Order inter-alia stipulates prohibition regarding manufacture, import, storage, sale, distribution etc without the Standard Mark of BIS and obligation of certification, it said.
Steel minister Chaudhary Birendra Singh has called for creating a comprehensive quality regime in the steel sector, the statement said.

This is essential for Indian steel products to gain acceptability and recognition at international level, he adds while informing that the way forward is to bring more and more products under the ambit of quality control order for a holistic coverage.
India needs to find new markets for its steel products for better capacity utilisation and quality is a pre-requisite for export-orientation.

This is essential because steel products form the backbone of infrastructure, construction, household utilities, engineering goods and other sectors. Standardisation through quality control would be beneficial for the health of mass consumers who use stainless steel utensils.
Similarly strength, durability and longevity of housing and other constructions depend on the quality of steel used.

"Singh has urged all stakeholders to expedite their part of the process so that the ultimate goal of providing better quality steel is achieved," the statement said.
The extension route cannot be infinite and all must be committed to provide a healthier and safer product to the consumers, he added.
Singh remarked, "It is the dream of our Prime Minister to make India the manufacturing hub of the world, that is why he has outlined his vision of 'Make in India'."
"But if each one of us is not committed to doing his best to facilitate implementation of highest quality standards in every sphere, we shall be left behind. As they say a dream is a goal with a deadline. So we must adhere to deadlines and treat them as sacrosanct," he said.

Stainless Steel Products (Quality Control) Order, 2016 was issued on June 10, 2016, covering three stainless steel products. This order was scheduled to be enforced after 3 months of publication i.E. September 10.
However on receipt of several representations, date of enforcement was extended by total 180 days from the date of the original order (in effect, three months extension), which postponed the implementation date till December 7, 2016.
"The three stainless products are stainless steel sheets/strips as per IS-6911 for engineering/industrial applications, stainless steel sheets as per IS-5522 for utensils and Low nickel sheet products as per IS-15997 for utensils and kitchenware," the statement said.