The Role of Industry Associations in Enhancing Quality and Capacity Building in India: The Example of the Confederation of Indian Industry

The chapter focuses on the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and its crucial role in advancing quality and capacity building in India. Founded in 1895, CII has been instrumental in shaping India’s development through policy engagement and industry support. The publication delves into the quality movement initiated by CII, starting with Quality Circle competitions in the 1980s and extending to the introduction of ISO 9000 standards, Total Quality Management, and the Deming Prize. It also highlights CII’s establishment of the Indian Quality Infrastructure and its collaboration with international organizations to promote excellence. The chapter explores various initiatives such as the Breakthrough Management program, the CII-EXIM Quality Awards, and the TPM Club, showcasing CII’s efforts to enhance industrial competitiveness. Additionally, it discusses the ZED movement, which aligns with India’s 'Make in India' campaign, and the future of quality management in the digital age. The chapter concludes with a vision for India’s industrial future, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and global standards, positioning CII as a catalyst for this transformation.