Indore,  The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bhopal Branch Office (BPBO), organized an “MSME Meet and Manak Manthan” programme for manufacturers, traders and MSMEs associated with the surfactants and washing powder industry in Indore on 19 August 2026. The programme was organized in association with the Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh (AIMP), Indore and the Ahilya Surfactant Manufacturers Welfare Association. The programme aimed to create awareness among industry stakeholders about BIS activities, Indian Standards, conformity assessment and quality requirements, while providing a platform for interaction and discussion on issues related to the implementation of applicable standards. More than 60 participants from the industry and MSME sector attended the programme.

The programme commenced with the floral welcome of the dignitaries on the dais by Shri Ashutosh Rai, Scientist-C/Deputy Director, BIS Bhopal Branch Office. The dignitaries included Shri Yogesh Mehta, President, Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh (AIMP), Indore; Shri Rajesh Garg, President, Ahilya Surfactant Manufacturers Welfare Association, Indore; Shri Tarun Vyas, Secretary, AIMP; Shri Pramod Dafaria, Past President, AIMP, Indore; and Shri Anil Paliwal, Treasurer, AIMP, Indore.

Shri Yogesh Mehta, President, AIMP, Indore, delivered the inaugural address and welcomed the initiative of BIS to engage directly with MSMEs and industry stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of regular industry–BIS interaction in improving awareness about Indian Standards and supporting manufacturers in maintaining quality and complying with applicable requirements.

Shri Ashutosh Rai, Scientist-C/Deputy Director, BIS Bhopal Branch Office, delivered two technical presentations during the programme. The first presentation provided an overview of BIS and its key activities, covering the role of BIS in the formulation of Indian Standards, conformity assessment, product certification, standards promotion and stakeholder participation in the standardization process. Participants were also briefed about various BIS initiatives and relaxations for MSMEs.

The second technical presentation was conducted as part of the Manak Manthan on IS 4955:2020 – Household Laundry – Detergent Powders – Specification. The participants were briefed on the scope and key requirements of the standard, with emphasis on specified quality parameters and their importance in ensuring the performance, consistency and quality of detergent powders. The session also helped industry stakeholders understand the relevance of the standard in their manufacturing and quality-control practices.

The programme was followed by an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session, during which manufacturers and MSMEs raised queries related to standards implementation, sampling and testing procedures, applicable parameters, BIS certification, associated costs, marking requirements and timelines. BIS officials addressed the concerns and provided practical guidance on the applicable requirements, while feedback and suggestions from industry stakeholders were noted. The interaction enhanced awareness of BIS activities, Indian Standards and quality requirements and strengthened engagement between BIS and the surfactants and washing powder industry.

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