The Gunvatta Yatra, an initiative by the Quality Council of India (QCI), is designed to promote quality excellence and awareness across industries. As part of this initiative, a three-day workshop was conducted which focused on key quality frameworks such as ZED (Zero Defect, Zero Effect) and Lean Certification, which are integral to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of businesses. The ZED certification aims to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt world-class quality standards by eliminating defects and minimizing environmental impact, while Lean Certification helps organizations streamline their processes, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity.

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with prominent organizations including WTC Bhubaneswar, Balasore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), District Small Scale Industries Association (DSSIA), Orissa Small Scale Industries Association (OSSIA) Cuttack, Juggernaut Association of Entrepreneurs (JAE), and Utkal Chamber of Commerce and IndustryLimited (UCCIL).

(Session 1: Udyog Bhawan, BCIC, Balasore – Thursday, March 27, 2025)

The first session of the Gunvatta Yatra workshop took place at Udyog Bhawan, BCIC, Balasore on March 27, 2025. This session was organized by QCI in association with WTC Bhubaneswar, BCIC, NOCCI, and DSSIA. The primary objective of this session was to emphasize the importance of quality in the manufacturing and service sectors. Industry leaders and professionals from various sectors gathered to engage in discussions on improving industry standards, adopting quality frameworks, and enhancing overall productivity.

The session commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Sanjay Das, President, Balasore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC). In his welcome address, he highlighted the significance of quality practices in industry development and welcomed all attendees to the workshop, emphasizing the importance of adopting global quality standards for better competitiveness and business sustainability.

The special address was delivered by Mr. Harish Patel, Secretary, North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI). He spoke about the vital role of quality in enhancing business efficiency and how such workshops can act as a catalyst for promoting a culture of quality in industries. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all associated organizations in making the workshop a success.

The QCI Expert, Mr. Biswajit Nanda, provided insights into the importance of quality management systems and global quality standards. He emphasized how aligning with ISO standards and adopting best practices could drive growth and productivity. Mr. Nanda also discussed the role of leadership in instilling a quality culture within organizations. The expert’s session was followed by an interactive Q&A, where participants shared their experiences and challenges in implementing quality standards.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, WTC Bhubaneswar deliberated on the role of WTC Bhubaneswar in handholding the MSMEs and delivered the vote of thanks.

(Session 2: OSSIA, Cuttack – Friday, March 28, 2025)

The second session was conducted by QCI in collaboration with WTC Bhubaneswar and OSSIA Cuttack. This session focused on fostering quality in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the importance of certification and standardization. The discussions highlighted the role of SMEs in the economic development of the region and provided a platform for sharing best practices on achieving international standards of quality.

The session began with the welcome address by Mr. Sanjay Mohapatra, Honorary Secretary, representing the OSSIA Cuttack. He welcomed the participants and emphasized how quality management systems can lead to higher levels of competitiveness and growth for SMEs. He also encouraged attendees to make the most of the expert insights shared during the session.

The special address was delivered by Mr. Smarajit Mohanty, President, OSSIA Cuttack. He spoke about OSSIA’s ongoing efforts to empower SMEs through capacity-building initiatives and the importance of SMEs in driving regional economic growth. He also stressed that embracing quality standards would help SMEs not only compete nationally but also globally.

In this session, QCI experts, Er. Bharat Behera and Ms. Sunanda Meher, offered in-depth guidance on the challenges faced by SMEs in adopting quality standards. They explained how obtaining certifications such as ISO could significantly enhance credibility and marketability. They also shared practical strategies on cost-effective quality improvements and how SMEs could implement quality systems without overburdening their budgets.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, WTC Bhubaneswar moderated the session and delivered the vote of thanks.

(Session 3: IDCO Conference Hall, IDCO Towers, Bhubaneswar – Saturday March 29, 2025)

The third session took place in IDCO Conference Hall, IDCO Towers, Bhubaneswar, organized by QCI in partnership with WTC Bhubaneswar, JAE, and UCCIL. This session was dedicated to SMEs, larger industries and the importance of quality in maintaining competitive advantages on a global scale. A series of case studies and success stories of companies that had successfully implemented quality management practices were shared, providing participants with practical insights.

The welcome address for this session was delivered by Ms. Choudhury Jyoshna Das, Honorary Convenor, WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum. She welcomed all the participants and shared her thoughts on the importance of quality management in the sustainable growth of large industries. She encouraged the attendees to learn from the experiences of successful companies and implement those best practices.

The special address was given by Mr. Janardhan Sahoo, President representing JAE. He emphasized the strategic role of quality in today’s competitive business environment.

In this session, QCI experts Er. Bharat Behera and Ms. Sunanda Meher delivered an extensive and thorough presentation, covering key topics such as ZED Certification, NABL Accreditation, ISO Certification, and IAF. They provided in-depth insights into each certification and accreditation process, explaining their significance, requirements, benefits, and the steps involved. The presentation was designed to offer a clear understanding of these standards and their relevance in enhancing quality, compliance, and operational efficiency across industries.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, WTC Bhubaneswar moderated the session and Ms. T Sweta, Trade Promotion Officer, WTC Bhubaneswar proposed the vote of thanks.

The Gunvatta Yatra workshop by QCI was a resounding success, with each session offering invaluable insights into quality management and its crucial role in driving industry growth. The participation of key industry stakeholders and representatives from various chambers of commerce ensured that the discussions were broad and inclusive. The expert deliberations in each session provided actionable strategies and solutions to quality-related challenges faced by businesses across different sectors.

QCI’s dedication to promoting quality through such workshops is commendable, and the event has helped foster a deeper understanding of quality practices in the business community across Odisha.