Scientists under scanner for certifying doctored bulbs

A BIS certification is mandatory for tungsten filament general service electric lamp up to 100 watts; this is done by the bureau’s marks division. The certification involves two phases of inspection,with BIS officials collecting samples both from the market and from manufacturing units.

The CVC has recommended a “major penalty” on five scientists,of whom three belong to high-ranked grade-E and include the head of the electrical lab of the BIS’s central laboratory in Sahibabad. Major penalties could mean departmental action up to dismissal from service. The CVC is yet to recommend action against the other two BIS officials. The seven belong either to the central laboratory or to the branch laboratory in Bangalore; each works in the marks division.

BIS authorities did not respond to a mail by The Indian Express.

According to the CVC investigation,the small firms manufacturing lamps removed the marking of the original manufacturers before placing their details and presenting them to inspecting BIS officials. The investigation said such tampering of markings should have been easily recognisable. The CVC alleged the officials connived with the manufacturers and issued the BIS certification. During the investigation,it was reportedly found that even samples kept in the manufacturing units had been tampered similarly.

India has 76 firms that manufactures lamps that go for BIS certification. Sources in the BIS said there are hundreds of smaller firms that market electrical appliances but the bureau has not been successful in bringing all into its fold.