September 04, 2006	Monday	Sha'aban 10, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: The National Quality Policy and Plan containing measures to protect the rights of consumers through the development of regulatory mechanism, product certification and other conformity assessment schemes has not been implemented because of bureaucratic hurdles.

The plan was devised by Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) working under the control of Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with relevant public and private organisations, and was approved by the cabinet in November 2004.

According to a report available on a website (www.pnac.org.pk), the plan worth Rs10 billion was designed to strengthen the national quality infrastructure to achieve high economic growth, enhance exports, ensure supply of quality products at competitive prices and contribute towards environment protection.

The action plan consists of projects and programmes supporting industry, agriculture and service sectors to enhance their technical capabilities and competitiveness.

In the present age of globalisation, market entry requires compliance to international standards strengthened by an internationally accepted infrastructure of accreditation, certification and testing, the report said, adding that the widespread use and application of substandard products and services in the local market were a serious threat to the health and safety of consumers.

The report said the plan also provided an opportunity for involving both the public and private sector for the benefit of society at large with objectives to improve productivity through training and education and establishments of data banks, upgradation of technology through research and development in key sectors, reorganisation of R&D institutions and establishing cluster councils.

Creating awareness and development of human resources in the field of quality through seminars and courses to prepare the industries and other sectors to meet the challenges of World Trade Organisation were also important objectives of the plan.

Quality improvement draws special attention in the plan that suggests setting up of national quality council at the apex level to give all stakeholders a sense of ownership and give impetus to the quality movement, besides promoting quality programmes and campaigns.

The plan envisaged the purchase of products and services supplied to all public sector organisations in accordance with national or international standards.

It also proposed best management practices in any factory, school, office or an organisation providing services such as electric supply, telephone and water that lead to improvement in productivity, efficiency and quality.

Awareness campaign on the rights of consumers related to quality of products and services has also been emphasised in the plan.

The plan stresses strengthening technical regulations that play a key role with respect to health, safety and environmental protection and calls for keeping check on the activities of certification bodies.

It also calls for strengthening of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority for not only disseminating information on standards but also for providing expertise for the promotion of standards and their use in the industry, agriculture and services.

The plan also emphasises strengthening the National Physical Standards Laboratory, Pakistan National Accreditation Council and upgradation of laboratories facilities in R&D organisations and universities in accordance with need and requirements of the market.