CCTV makers in MSMEs seek Govt support to enforce STQC

NEW DELHI, Apr 21: The MSMEs manufacturing CCTVs have asked the Government to give time and financial support to implement Stadardisation Test and Quality Certification (STQC) failing which over 1000 units will face immediate closure and loss of upto 4 lakh jobs across the country.
“With over 1,000 MSME factories at risk of closure, the livelihoods of more than 400,000 individuals are hanging in the balance. The current challenges – including rising production costs, supply chain disruptions and stringent compliance requirements – are exacerbated by the difficulties in meeting STQC standards without adequate technological support,” the Federation of All India Information Technology Associations (FAIITA) said while seeking an urgent meeting with Ashwini Vaishnav, Union Minister for IT and I&B.
To ensure the sustainability of MSME manufacturers in the CCTV sector, it is imperative that the government provides the necessary technological assistance, stated FAIITA. “Until these measures are put in place, we urge the government to keep the implementation of STQC protocols in abeyance for MSME manufacturers so they can continue operations without the undue burden of compliance,” it added.
Highlighting the “serious” challenges being faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and stakeholders in the CCTV manufacturing sector due to the recent enforcement of STQC requirements, the FAIITA supported the Government’s vision of enhancing national security and promoting quality standards through initiatives such as Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
However, the sudden implementation of STQC compliance, without a structured transition framework, is proving to be disproportionately burdensome for MSMEs and may potentially undermine the very objectives it seeks to achieve, it said.
In letter written to Vaishnav, the FAIITA said the implementation of STQC, without government support, will pose a serious threat to the existance of te MSME-led manufacturing and employment in the CCTV manufacturing facilities. MSMEs have invested heavily in establishing local manufacturing capabilities. The abrupt enforcement of STQC norms without sufficient lead time or support jeopardizes these investments and risks the loss of lakhs of jobs across the country.
Immediate compliance requirements may force smaller players out of the market, allowing only a few large companies to remain, leading to monopolization and
reduced innovation thereby defeatng the purpose.
The MSME-driven CCTV ecosystem supports a range of associated sectors, such as cabling, molding, packaging, and logistics. Disruption in MSME manufacturing will
have a cascading effect on these industries, the association said adding there is a noticeable absence of centralized guidance, helplines, or support
frameworks to help MSMEs navigate the complex STQC processes, leading to costly delays and confusion.
The association has sought “extension of compliance deadline” to allow sufficient time for MSMEs to meet the requirements in a sustainable manner.
“A stakeholder consultation meeting with MeitY officials to engage directly with MSMEs and collectively identify viable solutions to ensure a phased or tiered compliance approach to accommodate MSMEs of varying capacities and allow scalable implementation is the need of the hour,” it said seeking reimbursement or financial support mechanisms to alleviate the significant costs involved in testing and certification.
The Association said that it was committed to national interests and regulatory compliance. “We seek your kind support in enabling a fair, inclusive, and collaborative
pathway for MSMEs to align with the STQC mandate. Your guidance and intervention at this critical juncture can ensure that the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat truly reaches the grassroots of India’s manufacturing ecosystem,” the FAIITA said in the letter to Vaishnav. (UNI)

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