In a recent development, Footwear manufacturers in Indore have come together to stage a protest, demanding exemption from the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for footwear. Their concerns primarily revolve around the potential economic impact and feasibility of these standards.

The protesting manufacturers have appealed to the government to exclude specific categories of footwear, particularly those falling within the economical range. This includes general-purpose sandals, slippers, school shoes, and those made from recycled materials. They argue that imposing BIS standards on such products could increase operational costs by over 50%, particularly for footwear made from recycled materials.

Girish Punjabi, the President of the Madhya Pradesh Footwear Manufacturer Association, emphasized that the existing BIS standards do not adequately consider the production process, the types of raw materials used, or the various categories of footwear products. This, according to him, makes the implementation of BIS standards impractical. The association is particularly concerned about the potential impact on the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector, anticipating a significant increase in manufacturing costs for economical range products.

Despite the concerns raised, the government had previously assured the industry of addressing practical issues related to raw materials, sourcing, and testing. However, as of now, none of these concerns have been effectively resolved. The BIS standards are set to become mandatory for small-scale footwear manufacturers from January 1, 2024, and for the micro footwear industry from July 1, 2024.

This protest highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of mandatory quality standards in various industries. While such standards are intended to ensure the safety and quality of products, they can also pose economic challenges, particularly for smaller businesses. The Indore footwear manufacturers’ plea for BIS exemption reflects their concerns about the potential repercussions on their industry, calling for a balanced approach that takes into account the diverse nature of footwear production.

In other recent news:

1. Volvo’s Shift to All-Electric Cars: Volvo Cars has announced its plan to cease the production of diesel models by early 2024 as part of its transition towards becoming an all-electric car manufacturer. This move aligns with Volvo’s goal to achieve full electrification by 2030, in response to changing consumer preferences and declining diesel sales in Europe.

2. Limited Military Service Exemptions for South Korean Gamers: South Korea has introduced limited exemptions from mandatory military service, with gold medal winners at the Asian Games being automatically exempted. This year, eSports has been included as a medal event for the first time, providing top players with additional incentive. However, the exemption system has sparked a debate, particularly concerning its application to popular groups like BTS.

3. Quality Concerns for Drugs Manufactured in Himachal Pradesh: Samples of 12 drugs manufactured in Himachal Pradesh have failed quality tests conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). These drugs include those used to treat various medical conditions, such as blood pressure, allergy, pneumonia, and infection. The CDSCO has identified 48 substandard quality samples nationwide, leading to recalls and notices issued to the manufacturers. This underscores the need for rigorous quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.

These recent developments reflect the ongoing challenges and discussions in various sectors, ranging from industry standards to quality control and exemptions from mandatory service. It remains essential for stakeholders and policymakers to strike a balance between regulatory measures and the practical implications they may have on businesses and individuals.