estimated that about 20,000 units in India already have ISO 9000 certification. In addition to those certifying, the number of people providing ISO-9000-related services, such as consultancy on ISO 9000 implementation and lead assessor courses, is also showing exponential growth. Apex industry associations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry have also started providing services such as the lead assessor course. Organizations such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, National Productivity Council and Associated Chambers of Commerce are deeply dedicated to the needs of manufacturing industry. Many companies are receiving practical training on quality management practices from these organizations. Though ISO 9000, in its present form, does not deliver a comprehensive total QMS, it is rapidly gaining ground as the base line model. Its popularity is on the rise and even the Ministry of Small Scale Industries has declared financial assistance of up to Rs. 75,000 to the small-scale unit which secures an ISO 9000 series registration; the assistance goes toward the cost of registration.