About Quality Council of India (QCI):
- It is a non-profit autonomous organisation registered under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
- It was set up in 1997 jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations, i.e., Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), with Ratan Tata as its first Chairman.
- It is under the administrative control of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- QCI works as the national accreditation body.
- QCI has been established to create a mechanism for independent third-party assessment of products, services, and processes.
- Besides the role of putting in place the accreditation structure, it also promotes the adoption of quality standards relating to Quality Management Systems (ISO 14001 Series), Food Safety Management Systems (ISO 22000 Series), and Product Certification and Inspection Bodies through the accreditation services provided by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB).
- It plays a pivotal role at the national level in propagating, adoption, and adherence to quality standards in all important spheres of activities that have significant bearing on improving the quality of life and well-being of the citizens of India.
- It leads a nationwide quality movement in the country through the National Quality Campaign.
- QCI functions through the governing body and other executive bodies (boards/committees) for implementing the strategy, policy, and operational guidelines as set out by its governing council.
- The council comprises 38 members, with equal representation from the Government, Industries and other stakeholders.
- Indian industry is represented in QCI by three premier industry associations, namely ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI.
- Boards/Divisions under QCI:
- National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
- National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
- National Accreditation Board for Education & Training (NABET)
- National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)
- National Board for Quality Promotion (NBQP).
- Every board is functionally independent and works within its area of expertise.
