DoP invites EOI for 4th phase of Cluster Development Programme for pharma sector

• The prime motive behind this programme is to benefit the small & medium pharma units and enterprises by grant-in-aid (70% of project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs.20 crore) for installation and upgradation of the common facility centers to boost up their competitiveness and capability in the global market. The scheme would be implemented in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode through one time grant-in-aid, to be released for creation of identified infrastructure and common facilities to an SPV.
• The DoP had earlier engaged Projects & Development India Ltd (PDIL), a public sector undertaking under the ministry of chemicals & fertilizers, as project management consultant (PMC) for implementing this programme.
• The programme would be implemented on a PPP format through one time grant-in-aid to be released for creation of identified infrastructure and common facilities. The scheme is for setting up of new clusters as well as up-gradation of existing clusters. Rs.125 crore have been earmarked for the central sector scheme for the 12th Five Year Plan. 
• The programme is intended to increase the competitiveness, easy access to standard testing facilities and value addition in the domestic pharma industry especially to SMEs through creation of common world class facilities; and will strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities in order to make Indian pharma industry a global leader in pharma exports.
• It will reduce the cost of production by up to 20 per cent in the clusters leading to better availability and affordability medicines in domestic market and will help industry meet the requirements of standards environment at a reduced cost through innovative methods of common waste management. The programme will further exploit the benefits arising due to optimisation of resources and economies of scale.

Dop invites eoi, 4th phase, cluster development programme, pharma sector