Context:

Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) of Indian Railways has become the fi rst Institution to be declared Standard Developing Organization (SDO) under “One Nation One Standard” mission of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) which is Institution under Department of Consumer Affairs.

About the recognition

• RDSO becomes the first Standard Developing Organization in the country to be granted recognition under the BIS SDO Recognition Scheme.
• RDSO took the initiative to seek recognition by reviewing its Standard Formulation procedures to realign them with the Best Practices of Standardization, encoded in the WTO-TBT “Code of Good Practice” and also mandated by the Bureau (BIS) as essential criteria for recognition as SDO.
• Furthermore, with this recognition, the RDSO’
  It is the sole R&D Wing of Ministry of Railwayss standard formulation procedures will be more focused on consensus-based decision making.
• Validity: The recognition is valid for 3 years and will require renewal after completion of the validity period.

Expected benefits

• Larger participation of Industry / Vendors / MSME’s / Technology Developers in IR Supply Chain
• Increased competitiveness amongst Industry / Vendors
• Reduction in Cost
• Quantum improvement in Quality of Product & Services
• Smooth Induction of latest evolving & emerging technologies on IR
• Reduced dependence on imports
• Thrust on “Make-in-India”
• Improvement in Ease-of-Doing-Business
• Recognition of RDSO on International Standards Making Bodies
• Integration with Global Supply Chain / Global Trade

Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO)

• It is the sole R&D Wing of Ministry of Railways, undertaking standardization work for railway sector.
• It is headquartered in Lucknow.
• In 1957, the Central Standards Offi ce and Railway Testing Research Centre (RTRC) were integrated into a single unit as Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

BIS SDO scheme

• The BIS SDO Recognition Scheme has been launched by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• The statutory provisions of Section 10(2)(c) of the BIS Act, 2016 and Rule 30 of the BIS Rules, 2018 confer upon Bureau, powers to recognize or accredit any institute in India or outside which is engaged in standardization.
• This policy of recognition of SDOs ensures “One Nation One Standard” for one product or service etc.
• It will lead to the harmonization of standards in the country ensuring WTO-TBT Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards.

One Nation One Standard mission

• Deliberated fi rst in 2019, the mission is envisioned on the line of ‘one nation, one ration card’ scheme in order to ensure quality products in the country.
• The purpose is to converge multiple standards with the BIS which is a recognised national body for standardisation in India.