Prime Minister Narendra Modi has picked former McKinsey India chief Adil Zainulbhai to head the Quality Council of India that promotes high standards in areas like education, healthcare, environment, infrastructure, governance and social sectors.

The appointment is in keeping with Modi's call to make "Made in India" a recognised and trusted brand globally, with products and services adhering to high standards of "zero defect with zero effect" and causing no damage to the environment, officials said.

"I am pleased to inform you that hon'ble prime minister has approved your appointment as chairman of the quality Council of India for a period of three years from the date of your assumption of charge," said a letter to Zainulbhai from the commerce ministry.

The council was was set up by the Government of India with representations from three premier industry bodies -- the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

An autonomous council with 38 members, its mandate is to rank among the world's leading apex quality facilitation, accreditation and surveillance organisations to continuously improve the climate, systems, processes and skills for total quality.

The mission includes helping India achieve and sustain total quality and reliability, in all areas of life, work, environment, products and services across all levels -- individual, organisational, community and societal.

"It is a privilege to give back via an institution with a strong focus on quality," Zainulbhai said. "I hope to bring in and promote a quality consciousness throughout the country. It's going to be an enriching and exciting journey."

Zainulbhai has helped catalyse Indian companies to become successful globally, helping public sector undertakings become more efficient and effective, and working with large multinationals to enter India and build profitable, innovative businesses.

He has co-editor of the book 'Re-imagining India' that has contributions from a host of executives, entrepreneurs, economists, foreign-policy experts, journalists, historians, and cultural luminaries from across the world on how India's potential can be unlocked.

Zainulbhai also serves on the boards of the Indian Institute of Technology-Mumbai, American India Foundation, Saifee Hospital, Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust, Reliance Industries and Network 18.