Globalization and Standards: Concerns in a Large Transforming Economy, India

This editorial introduction contextualizes the central concerns of the volume regarding the status, relevance and operationalization of standards in a developing economy context, with specific reference to Indian experience. It deals with a certain translucency of the intentions of the global private standard setting bodies unilaterally emphasizing the ‘universality’ of such specifications. That multiple standards coexist and domestic or state-devised standards have a place of distinction have been pointed out. The typically neglected issue of informality, especially under the global production network arrangements, have been dealt with at some length pointing out serious implications for process standards these have. The dynamics of acceptance of and compliance to standards would hinge upon not only the awareness of the consumers, especially the growing middle class, but also their behaviour. The influences of the pattern of income distribution and prevalent production and labour practices would have to be recognised. The state and civil society will have a considerable role to play in ensuring fairness and national interests in pursuing standards. Individual contributions to the volume have been spelt out in the last section.