Pharmaceutical technology upgradation assistance scheme

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium, Enterprises (MSME), on submission by the Department of Pharmaceuticals regarding the difficulties experienced by the small & medium enterprises in the pharmaceutical sector in respect of the additional financial burden in implementing the mandatory measures under the revised Schedule ‘M’ Standards relating to Good Manufacturing Practices and requirements of machineries/equipments etc., for pharmaceuticals production, issued revised Guidelines through the Second Supplement dated 13th July, 2009 to the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS). Under the revised guidelines, the benefit of the CLCSS would be available to the small scale pharma enterprises for an increased number of upto 179 equipments / machineries recommended for Drug and Pharmaceuticals Products, Sub-sector-wise for up-gradation to Schedule ‘M’ Standards as per the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.

It is expected that more than 3000 small scale pharma enterprises will be benefited from this enhanced scheme. There is no separate incentive scheme available for the small scale pharma units in the country. However financial assistance in the form of 15% capital subsidy limited to the project cost of up to Rs. 100 lakhs i.e. total capital subsidy limit of Rs. 15 lakhs per small scale unit is available under the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for technology up-gradation. This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha .