As India advances toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) must play a central role by embracing quality and innovation, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare cited.
Speaking at an industry conference in the capital, Khare urged MSMEs to strictly adhere to both mandatory and voluntary quality standards and to proactively participate in shaping India’s quality ecosystem.
“MSMEs must step up not just in compliance but in collaboration,” she said. “They should actively share their challenges and seek solutions, while also pushing for new quality standards that meet evolving market demands.”
Khare emphasized that quality cannot be optional for a growing economy. “No nation can achieve sustainable growth without ensuring the credibility of its goods and services. There can be no free passes regarding quality,” she remarked.
The secretary highlighted several government initiatives to support this push toward quality, including the recent approval of ₹78 crore to upgrade existing testing laboratories and establish new ones nationwide.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to consumer protection and product reliability, Khare said that India’s economic rise depends heavily on the strength and credibility of its MSME sector. “We need an ecosystem where MSMEs don’t just follow standards—they help formulate them,” she added.
The conference brought together industry leaders, quality certification bodies, and government officials to discuss collaborative efforts to raise product standards and improve consumer trust in Indian-made goods.