Odisha Govt wants to set up dedicated pharma cluster

Inviting National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) to establish its campus in the state, the Odisha Government said it is contemplating to set up a dedicated pharmaceutical cluster in the industrial estates around Bhubaneswar.
Chief Secretary A P Padhi informed the state's plan at a meeting with executive members of the Pharmaceutical Council of India (PCI) here yesterday.
The issues relating to establishment of pharmaceutical industries in Odisha, strengthening of pharmaceutical sector, capacity building of pharmacists and inviting NIPER to set up its campus in the state were discussed in the meeting, an official said.
The members of the council also proposed to run a bridge course for diploma pharmacist serving in government, particularly in rural areas. The training, they said, would result in better performance and service delivery to the people.

Padhi, on behalf of the state government assured the PCI members that the government would provide all support to the companies who would set up employment intensive enterprises in the state.
Secretary Industries Sanjeeb Chopra informed the PCI members about the facilities and incentives being provided by the state government for setting up pharmaceutical production units along with research and development activities.

Chopra said pharmaceutical industry has been categorised under priority sector in the IPR Policy, 2015 of the state government.
Provisions have been made for allotment of land under subsidised rate, capital grant to support quality infrastructure, interest subsidy, quick and easy power supply, reimbursement of value added tax, reimbursement of entry tax, financial assistance for technical know-how, entrepreneurship development subsidy, environment protection infrastructure subsidy, subsidy for patent registration and quality certification, he said.

This apart, other supports like anchor tenant subsidy, land for worker's hostel and capital subsidy for plant and machinery, online availability of the necessary clearances and certificates within stipulated time etc would also be available to the entrepreneurs coming up for establishment of new units.
"The state government has also planned for a dedicated pharmaceutical cluster in the industrial estates around Bhubaneswar," Padhi informed the members.