World Accreditation Day 2025: QCI Launches Revamped NABL Portal to Empower MSMEs

Introduction

World Accreditation Day 2025 was commemorated on June 9 by the Quality Council of India (QCI), reaffirming India’s commitment to global quality standards and the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This year’s theme, “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” spotlighted how robust accreditation frameworks can drive competitiveness, market access, and credibility for Indian businesses.

Key Highlights

  • Revamped NABL Portal:
    QCI unveiled a newly revamped portal for the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). This digital upgrade streamlines the accreditation process, making it more accessible for laboratories and MSMEs, and reduces procedural barriers to quality certification15.
  • Gunvatta Samarpan Initiative:
    The event also introduced ‘Gunvatta Samarpan,’ a unique platform encouraging organizations across sectors to publicly pledge their commitment to accredited quality standards. This initiative aims to instill a culture of quality-first thinking throughout Indian industry5.
  • Global Partnerships:
    QCI, through its constituent boards NABL and NABCB, partners with international bodies like the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), aligning India’s quality infrastructure with global benchmarks.

Why Accreditation Matters for MSMEs

  • Market Access:
    Accreditation helps MSMEs meet international standards, which is crucial for accessing both domestic and global markets.
  • Reduced Rejection Rates:
    Certified processes and products see fewer rejections, saving costs and boosting productivity.
  • Trust and Competitiveness:
    Accredited businesses build greater trust with buyers, both in India and abroad, and become more competitive in the global marketplace.
  • Support for Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
    Accreditation is a key pillar for initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047, supporting exports and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth.

Expert Insights

  • Government Perspective:
    Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, emphasized that strong quality frameworks are vital for India’s industrial growth and export competitiveness.
  • QCI Leadership:
    QCI Chairperson Jaxay Shah called accreditation a “gateway to global trust,” underscoring its role in operational efficiency and international alignment.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

  • GS Paper 3 (Economy):
    Understanding the role of accreditation in strengthening MSMEs and India’s export ecosystem.
  • GS Paper 2 (Governance):
    Insights into public-private partnerships and government initiatives for quality assurance.
  • Essay/Interview:
    Use this as a case study on how digital transformation and international collaboration can drive economic growth and innovation.

Conclusion

World Accreditation Day 2025, led by QCI’s initiatives, highlights the strategic importance of accreditation in empowering Indian MSMEs, driving quality, and positioning India as a global leader in manufacturing and services.

Credits:
Information sourced from PIB,

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