Scheme for Accreditation of

EIA Consultant Organization

VERSION 3
National Accreditation Board for
Education and Training
QUALITY COUNCIL OF INDIA

Page 1

Session will cover

1. Version 3 of Scheme assessment and

accreditation processes
2. Rationalization of functional areas
3. Procedure for change over from Version 2 to
Version 3

Page 2

VERSION 3

Page 3

Part I
1. Requirements for Accreditation
2. Stages of assessment
3. Process to qualify as EC/ FAE
4. Expected functions of EC/ FAE

Page 4

1.

Requirements for

Accreditation
1. One in-house EC and two other in-house
FAEs
2. Cover all core and significant FAs as per
sectors applied for Vide Annexure II A
3. QMS manual as per Appendix B
4. NABL/ MoEF Lab
5. Complete application with all CVs and other
details in rquisite formats
Page 5

2.

Stages of assessment

a. Stage I

Completeness of
application

b. Stage II

Technical review of
documents

c. Stage III

Office Assessment
Page 6

3.

Process to qualify as EC/ FAE

1. Qualification requirement as mentioned

2. Exp. for EC - overall EIA related experience (5/7 years)
- sectoral experience for ECs
3. Exp. for FAEs - overall FA exp (3/5 years)
- EIA related exp in FA (1/3 years)
4. Recommendation by Assessors based on performance &
documentary evidence of experience during interaction
in Stage III
5. Final decision on the case by the Accreditation
Committee

Page 7

4. Expected functions
EIA Coordinator
Functional Area Expert

Page 8

Part II
1. Quality Management System
2. Assessment Process
a. Initial Accreditation
b. Surveillance Assessment
c. Re-Accreditation
3. Re-Application
4. Experts
a. Definition - In-house/ Empanelled
b. Assessment/ approval status
Page 9

1.

Quality Management System

The QMS must address the following (to be covered

tomorrow)
1.Quality policy
2.Control of records and documents
3.Performance measurement and review
4.Actions taken to address non-Conformance
5.Identification, retention and assessment of performance
of empanelled experts
6.Collection of primary data
7.Collation, synthesis and interpretation of secondary data
8.Work outsourced
9.Laboratory work including calibration of equipment and
laboratory safety
10.Complaints and appeals
Page 10

2. Assessment Process
Aspects
1.Human resource
2.Field investigation and laboratory arrangement
3.Quality Management System (QMS)
4.Quality of EIA reports
5.Organizational commitment
6.Compliance to conditions of accreditation/
improvements achieved
Page 11

Assessment Process
a.

Human Resource EIA Coordinator

Initial Accreditation

Surveillance Assessment

a. Knowledge
of
the
sector/s and its probable
impacts on the physical,
ecological and social
environments and their
mitigation measures
b. Clarity on concept of
EIAs, role of an EC and
knowledge of relevant
legislations,
policies,
practices and guidelines
c. Ability to plan for EIAs
and coordinate the EIA
team to achieve the best
results

a. Site
familiarity
through visit to the
site to plan for EIAs
b. Completeness
of
impact assessment
covering all aspects
in respect of physical,
ecological, social and
risk related issues
c. Completeness
of
EMP addressing all
impacts along with
budgetary projections
and monitoring plan

Re-Accreditation
a. Updation in knowledge
about
sector,
regulations
&
development in EIA
field
b. Site familiarity to plan
for EIAs
c. Completeness
of
impact
assessment
(including
for
ecological, social, risk
related)
and
quantification, where
applicable
d. Completeness of EMP
addressing all impacts
with
budget
&
monitoring plan.
Page 12

a.

Human Resource Functional Area Expert

Initial Accreditation
a. Knowledge
of
the
functional
area/s
applicable in EIA context
b. Ability to identify and
quantify impacts, where
applicable
c. Ability to suggest/vet
mitigation measures and
clarity of role as FAE.

Surveillance
Assessment

Re-Accreditation

a. Site
familiarity,
involvement
in
selection of sampling
locations, collection,
supervision
and
quality assurance of
primary data.
b. Identification
and
quantification of
impacts,
where
applicable
c. Contribution to EIA
report
in
the
functional area and
EMP

a. Updation
about
regulations & on latest
developments in the
concerned FA
b. Site familiarity and role
in
collection/
supervision and quality
assurance of primary
data
c. Identification of all
impacts
and
quantification, where
applicable
d. EMP addressing all
impacts
and
monitoring plan
Page 13

b.
Field investigations and laboratory
systems
Initial Accreditation

Surveillance Assessment

Ensure data integrity

a.Collection,
quality
assurance
and
interpretation of primary
data
for
physical,
ecological
and
social
environment.
b.Collation, synthesis and
interpretation of secondary
data for ecological and
social environments

a. Physical environment
Involvement of ECs and FAEs in
sampling
Quality assurance, preservation,
transportation
Interpretation
Information relevant to the baseline
data
Signed analysis report
b. Ecological environment
Involvement of concerned FAE
Quality assurance of data
Laboratory
testing
of
field
samples, interpretation of data
c. Socio-economic environment

Methodology for collection of

primary data
Involvement of concerned FAEs
quality assurance

ReAccreditation
Similar to SA,
with stress on
improvement

Page 14

c.

Quality Management System

Initial Accreditation

Surveillance Assessment

1. Content and coverage

of the systems and
procedures developed
and understanding of
the same in the
organization
2. Forms/formats/check
lists
for
implementation of the
same

a. Compliance to the various

procedures developed during
the
initial
accreditation
process
b. Demonstrate
corrective
action and preventive action
taken for deficiencies pointed
out in IA

Re-Accreditation
Similar to SA, with
stress
on
improvement

Page 15

d.

Quality of EIAs

Initial Accreditation

Surveillance
Assessment

ReAccreditation

1. Site and project description with photographs, layout maps,

process flow diagrams of the manufacturing processes, material
balance, environmentally sensitive receptors like water bodies;
wetlands and estuaries, forests, wild life sanctuaries, national
parks, biosphere reserves; human habitations, school and
hospitals; archaeological and historic monuments; croplands
industries and the like.
2. Consideration of alternative of sites, technology and processes.
3. Methodology for collection of a. Primary baseline data for physical environment (sampling
location, preservation, analysis)
b. Secondary data (reference, relevance, authenticity, period,
ground validation).
4. Interpretation of data for identification of environmental impacts
and quantification, where applicable.
5. Interpretation of ecological and social baseline conditions and
assessment of potential impact and mitigation measures.
6. Risks assessment and consequence analysis including
emergency plan
7. Environmental management plan and its monitoring
8. Duly signed declaration of experts involvement in EIA
preparation.
9. Compliance to TOR and public hearing

Similar to IA,
with stress on
performance

Similar to SA,
with stress on
improvement

e.

Organizational Commitment

Initial Accreditation
a. Capacity building
Assessing performance of experts
Identifying training needs
Providing training for enhancement of
skill and competence
b. Commitments towards quality of EIAs
Preparation of activity chart
Meeting/s with project proponent &
DPR Consultant
System of learning from the comments
of the EAC/SEAC
c. Facilities
Use of appropriate tools and software for
impact assessment
Provision of computing and internet and
video conferencing facilities,
Library, documentation center

Surveillance
Assessment

ReAccreditation

Similar to IA

Similar to IA
with stress on
improvement

Page 17

f.
Compliance to conditions of accreditation/
improvements achieved
Initial
Accreditation
NA

Surveillance Assessment

Re-Accreditation

a.Compliance to conditions of
accreditation
b.Informing
NABET
and
replacing if approved expert
leaves,
utilizing
only
approved
experts
of
appropriate category
c.Providing
statement
countersigned by ECs and
FAEs involved in preparation
of EIA
d.Timely payments to NABET

a. Performance of approved
experts
b. Quality of baseline data
c. Enabling factors including
facilities provided
d. Quality of EIA

Page 18

3.

Re-applications

Open both for Organizations and Individuals

Applicable for Up-gradations/Un-Approved
Re-apply to QCI/NABET with the requisite
application fee after a gap of at least 3 months
from last assessment once the shortfalls are
met.
Assessed as per IA/SA/RA norms, as applicable
Page 19

4.

Experts

In-house
Full time employee working on the pay rolls on regular basis (not
on time to time basis or on as and when reqd basis
Gets appropriately paid as per her/his qualification and
experience (through bank and are subject to TDS, as applicable)

Empanelled a freelancer (not a full time employee of any organization) or

may be working with an NGO or Research organization/Academic
institute.
No objection certificate (NOC) is to be obtained from the Registrar
for a University, the Principal for a college and the head of
organization for a NGO or a Research organization.
AO/ACO must have an MOU/written agreement with such experts
Page 20

Approved experts

Co-terminus
Utilization of approved experts having
shifted

Page 21

Human Resource Utilization

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

FAA
Cat. B FAE
Cat. A FAE
Cat. B EC
AEC
EC Cat. A
Team Member
Mentor
Page 22

Part III
1. Process and requirements for other assessments
a. Supplementary
b. Expansion of Scope
c. QMS implementation
2. Filling formats for application
a. Annexure IV, Annexure IV A, Annexure IV B
b. Annexure V
c. Annexure VI A1, Annexure VI A2, Annexure VI
A3
d. Annexure VI A4, Annexure VI A5
3. Self Assessment Checklist
Page 23

a.

Supplementary Assessment

This provision is to
Cover balance functional areas
Propose replacements
Propose additional experts to cover sectors
Assess candidates absence during Stage III with
prior information
Requirements
Submit Application as per Annexure IC
Annexure IV, IV A, IV B, V of proposed candidates,
as applicable
Page 24
Organized once a month generally

b.

Expansion of scope
This provision is for ACOs requesting for
modification/ change in scope
Follows the process of IA (I/II/III)

Requirements
Submit Application as per Annexure ID
Annexure IV, IV A, IV B, V of proposed
candidates, as applicable
Organized as and when required
Page 25

c. QMS Implementation

ACOs scoring <40% marks, given 15 days to

address the shortfalls and submit revised QMS
Assessment of QMS done within 3 months

Requirements
Submit Application as per Annexure IE
Revised QMS addressing the shortfalls
Demonstration of CAPA
Organized as and when required

Page 26

2. Formats
To be filled for IA
EIA Coordinator

Functional Area Expert

In-house

Empanelled

In-house

Empanelled

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV A Annexure IV A

Annexure IV B

Annexure IV B

Annexure V

Annexure V

MoU/ Agreement/NOC
as per Scheme

MoU/ Agreement/NOC
as per Scheme

Page 27

Formats (contd.)
To be filled for SA/RA
EIA Coordinator
For fresh Formats same as in IA
For approved experts
Seeking change in
sector/s

Did not work in any EIA/s

Did work in EIA/s

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV A (for new

sectors applied)

Annexure VI A4
(declaring same)

Annexure VI A4 (giving
details of work)

For empanelled experts In addition to above, to submit Annexure V and

MoU/Agreement

Page 28

Formats (contd.)
To be filled for SA/RA
Functional Area Expert
For fresh Formats same as in IA
For approved experts
Seeking change in
functional area/s

Did not work in any EIA/s

Did work in EIA/s

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV

Annexure IV B (for new

sectors applied)

Annexure VI A5
(declaring same)

Annexure VI A5 (giving
details of work)

For empanelled experts In addition to above, to submit Annexure V and

MoU/Agreement

Page 29

Formats (contd.)
Formats to be filled for Organization
1.Annexure VI A1
2.Annexure VI A2
3.Annexure VI A3

Page 30

Contents of MoU with Empanelled Expert

1. Name of the expert & AO/ ACO
2. Name of sectors/ functional areas for which
services are provided
3. Scope of services covered
4. Duration of association
5. Specific roles & responsibilities of empanelled
expert
6. Signature of empanelled expert & CEO/ Head of
ACO
7. All payments to the empanelled experts for
services rendered to be made through Bank
Page 31

Contents of MoU with Laboratory

1. Name of the ACO & Labs
2. Scope of services covered by NABL accreditation/
MoEFCC recognition
3. Name of parameters covered by the agreement
4. Duration of association
5. Name of project/s (preferably)
6. Financial terms including rates for specific items of
work (all payments to the laboratory for services
rendered to be made through Bank)
7. Signature of CEO/ Head of ACO & authorized
signatory of lab
Page 32

Contents of NOC for Empanelled Expert

1. Name of the expert
2. Name of the Scheme and EIA project/s
for which the NOC is granted
3. Validity of the NOC
4. Name of sector and/ or functional area for
which services are offered

Page 33

3.

Self Assessment Checklist

Self Assessment - Annexure VIII

Initial Accreditation
Surveillance Assessment
Re-Accreditation

Page 34

Rationalization of
Functional Areas

Page 35

Grou
p No

Sector wise requirements of functional areas

Sector group

Sector No as per
Annexure II

Core
(In-house) FA

Significant FA (InHouse/Empanelled)

Manufacturing
industries

8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 40
(i, ii, iii, v)

AP, AQ, WP

LU, Noise, EB, SE, HG,

HW, ISW, RH

Power, Cement

4, 9, 40 (iv)

AP,AQ

Mining, River
valley
Coal washery,
Mineral
beneficiation

1, 3

WP, SE, EB

6, 7

AP, WP, ISW

LU, WP, EB, SE, Noise,

ISW, RH
LU, AP, AQ, NV, Geo, HG,
SC, HW, ISW, RH
LU, AQ, EB, Geo, SE, RH,
HW

Infrastructure, Oil
& gas exploration
(off-shore, onshore)

2, 27, 29, 31, 33, 34,

35

WP, EB, SE

LU, AP, AQ, NV, SC, SHW,

HG, RH

Infrastructure
28, 30, 32, 36, 37
SHW, WP
LU, AP, AQ, EB, SE, Geo,
services
HG, RH
7
Building and large 38, 39
WP, MSW
LU, AP, Noise, EB, SE, HG,
const., township
SC
and area dev.
Note: 1. For EIAs related to captive townships, MSW will be a significant FA
2. For Cat B2 projects, EB and SE can be empanelled

Change over from Version 2

to Version 3

Page 37

For fresh applicant organizations

1. Received after implementation of Version
3 on Sep 1, 2015 will be assessed as per
Version 3
2. Received till the end of June, 2015 will be
assessed as per Version 2 (Rev 9). Given
time till Dec. 2015
Page 38

For accredited consultant organizations

1. RA has already been carried out
Surveillance assessment SA (15th month) as
per Version 3
Onus of submitting timely application and
getting
the
same
processed
till
accreditation within the timeframe lies
with the ACOs
2. Next assessment (SA/RA) falls due prior to
Dec 31, 2015
Application meeting the requirements of
Version 3
Page 39

For accredited consultant organizations

3. ACOs where the next assessment falls due after Dec 31,
2015, are required to meet the minimum requirements of
Version 3 by Dec. 2015
Coverage of core and significant FAs as per Annexure
II A
QMS meeting the requirements of Version 3
4. First cycle yet to be completed and the next
assessment (SA/RA) is likely to fall prior to Sep 1, 2015
SA/RA SA/RA carried out as per Version 2.
However, to meet req. of Ver. 3 by Dec. 2015
Note: In case of ACOs wish to get assessed as per
Version 3, NABET informs the ACO about the shortfalls
to meet the requirements of Version 3
Page 40

For accredited consultant organizations

5. ACOs where first accreditation cycle is yet to be

completed and the next assessment falls due after Sep
1, 2015 must submit the complete application meeting
the requirements of Version 3

Page 41

Page 42

Page 43

Page 44

Page 45

Page 46

Page 47

Page 48

Page 49

Page 50

Page 51

Page 52

Page 53

Page 54

Page 55

Page 56

Page 57

Page 58

Page 59

THANK YOU

Page 60