Context: The Quality Council of India (QCI) has recently unveiled the QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework, an initiative aimed at driving excellence and improving the quality of life across India.

About Framework

• QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework, an initiative aimed at driving excellence and improving the quality of life across India.

• It aims at recognising and rewarding states and organizations that excel in quality and innovation to achieve the aim of a Developed (Viksit) India.

It is categorized under four pillars: 

1. Shiksha (Education), 

2. Swasthya (Health), 

3. Samriddhi (Prosperity), and 

4. Sushasan (Governance).        

• The Surajya Recognition will celebrate exceptional performance and dedication to quality within these crucial sectors.

• The framework’s August 2024 rankings highlight achievements in Shiksha, Swasthya, and Samriddhi, with Sushasan set to be featured in future editions.

• In the Shiksha category, Uttar Pradesh tops the list with the highest number of accreditations, assessments, and ratings, followed closely by Delhi, which also performs strongly.

• For Swasthya, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Manipur have achieved full certification under the Ayushman Arogya Yojana (NABH).

• Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra lead in the Medical Entry Level Testing Labs (MELT) rankings (NABL), while Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir show notable performance in Ayushman Arogya Yojana certification.

• Delhi excels in MELT rankings, followed by Jammu & Kashmir.

• In the Samriddhi category, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan stand out with the highest number of ZED certifications, particularly in the Micro category.

• Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi also achieve significant ZED certifications.

• Maharashtra and Bihar lead in the MSME Competitive LEAN Scheme.

• This initiative combines monthly and cumulative evaluations to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment.

• By recognizing and rewarding states and organizations for their quality and innovation, the framework supports India’s journey towards becoming a developed and quality-driven nation.

About QCI

• It was established as the national body of accreditation in 1996 and is an autonomous non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

• Based on the recommendation of the Expert Mission of European Union.

• It was jointly set up by the Government of India and the Indian Industry (ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII).

• Nodal Department: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Governing Council

• 39 members including the Chairperson and Secretary General with equal representation of Government, Industry and other Stakeholders.

• Chairperson is nominated by the Prime Minister.

Role of QCI

• National Accreditation Body (NAB): To promote quality through the National Quality Campaign in line with global standards.

• Create a mechanism for third-party assessment of products, services and processes.

• Improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the citizens of India.

Achievements of QCI

• Healthcare: 

• Worked with ICMR to expand COVID-19 related testing labs across India.

• ABPMJAY quality certification programme with NHA, Kayakalp Certification for cleanliness of healthcare facilities.

• Sanitation: Certification of ULBs as ODF, ODF+, ODF++.

• Education: Launched eQuest: E-Quality Platform for Employability through Skill and Training

• Agriculture: Development of Standards and Scheme for Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) Implementation and Certification in countries of SAARC (project with FAO).