RDSO of Indian Railways becomes the first Institution to be declared ‘SDO’

Context

Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) of Indian Railways has become the first Institution to be declared Standard Developing Organization (SDO) under “One Nation One Standard" mission of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) which is Institution under Department of Consumer Affairs.

The recognition

• RDSO took the initiative to seek recognition by reviewing its Standard Formulation procedures to realign them with the Best Practices of Standardization, encoded in the WTO-TBT “Code of Good Practice” and also mandated by the Bureau (BIS) as essential criteria for recognition as SDO.
• With this recognition, RDSO becomes the first Standard Developing Organization in the country to be granted recognition under the BIS SDO Recognition Scheme.
  • Furthermore, with this recognition, the RDSO’s standard formulation procedures will be more focused on consensus-based decision making.
  • Also, it will entail the extensive engagement of all stakeholders including Academia, Industry, Users, Test Houses, Recognized Labs, etc, in the standard making process from the very initial stages.
• Scope: The scope of RDSO’s recognition as SDO, is “Standards Developing Organization for products, processes and services for railway transportation sector in India”.
• Validity: The recognition is valid for 3 years and will require renewal after completion of the validity period.  
• It will help in harmonizing the standardization activity thereby providing opportunity for greater participation of all stakeholders in formulation & implementation of National Standards and creating in the long run, a Brand India identity for quality of product manufactured inter the country.

Expected benefits

• Larger participation of Industry / Vendors / MSME’s / Technology Developers in IR Supply Chain
• Increased competitiveness amongst Industry / Vendors
• Reduction in Cost
• Quantum improvement in Quality of Product & Services
• Smooth Induction of latest evolving & emerging technologies on IR
• Reduced dependence on imports
• Thrust on “Make-in-India”
• Improvement in Ease-of-Doing-Business
• Recognition of RDSO on International Standards Making Bodies
• Integration with Global Supply Chain / Global Trade

 What is BIS SDO scheme?

• The BIS SDO Recognition Scheme has been launched by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• The statutory provisions of Section 10(2)(c) of the BIS Act, 2016 and Rule 30 of the BIS Rules, 2018 confer upon Bureau, powers to recognize or accredit any institute in India or outside which is engaged in standardization.
• This policy of recognition of SDOs ensures “One Nation One Standard” for one product or service etc.
• It will lead to the harmonization of standards in the country ensuring WTO-TBT Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards.

About Organization

Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO)

• It is the sole R&D Wing of Ministry of Railways, undertaking standardization work for railway sector. It is headquartered in Lucknow.
• In 1957, the Central Standards Office and Railway Testing Research Centre (RTRC) were integrated into a single unit as Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) came into existence, through an act of parliament dated 26 November 1986, on 1 April 1987.
• BIS Act 2016 made it as the National Standard Body of India, for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
• The Bureau is a Body Corporate consisting of 25 members representing both Central and State governments, Members of Parliament, industry, scientific and research institutions, consumer organizations and professional bodies.
• It works under the supervision of Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.