Daily Current Affairs : 14-March-2024
The Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS) is a vital initiative through the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. This scheme seeks to enhance the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products made in India. By assisting pharmaceutical manufacturing units, RPTUAS focuses on upgrading technology and improving product quality.
What is RPTUAS?
RPTUAS is designed to help pharmaceutical companies enhance their production capabilities. It is a part of the larger Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) Scheme, which aims to improve the overall infrastructure of the pharmaceutical sector in India. RPTUAS is the successor to the previous Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) and builds on its foundation to further strengthen the industry.
Key Features of RPTUAS
The RPTUAS includes several critical features:
1. Broadened Eligibility
- Increased Access: Previously limited to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the scheme is now open to all pharmaceutical manufacturing units based on their turnover.
- Incentives Based on Turnover:
- Turnover less than Rs 50 crore: 20% incentive on eligible investments.
- Turnover between Rs 50 crore and less than Rs 250 crore: 15% incentive.
- Turnover between Rs 250 crore and less than Rs 500 crore: 10% incentive.
2. Flexible Financing
- Financial Support: The scheme offers flexible financing options, including subsidies that can be claimed on a reimbursement basis. This variety allows companies to choose the financing method that suits them best.
3. Support for Compliance
- Technological Upgrades: RPTUAS supports upgrades that meet revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards. This includes improvements to:
- HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
- Testing laboratories
- Clean room facilities
4. Dynamic Incentive Structure
- Incentives Over Time: The incentives are calculated based on the average turnover of the last three years, with a maximum incentive of Rs one crore per unit. This structure encourages consistent performance.
5. Integration with State Schemes
- Collaborative Support: The scheme allows for integration with state government programs, providing additional assistance and fostering collaboration between central and state initiatives.
6. Enhanced Verification
- Transparency and Accountability: A robust verification mechanism will be implemented through a Project Management Agency. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently.
Important Points:
Initiative Overview:
- RPTUAS is an initiative by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- Aims to enhance the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products in India.
Purpose:
- Supports pharmaceutical manufacturing units in upgrading technology and improving product quality.
- Part of the Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) Scheme.
Key Features:
- Broadened Eligibility:
- Open to all pharmaceutical manufacturing units based on turnover.
- Incentives based on turnover brackets:
- Less than Rs 50 crore: 20% incentive.
- Rs 50 crore to less than Rs 250 crore: 15% incentive.
- Rs 250 crore to less than Rs 500 crore: 10% incentive.
- Flexible Financing:
- Offers subsidies on a reimbursement basis.
- Allows companies to choose preferred financing methods.
- Support for Compliance:
- Encourages technological upgrades to meet Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards.
- Focuses on improvements to HVAC systems, testing laboratories, and clean room facilities.
- Dynamic Incentive Structure:
- Incentives based on average turnover over the last three years.
- Maximum incentive of Rs one crore per unit.
- Integration with State Schemes:
- Allows collaboration with state government programs for additional support.
- Enhanced Verification:
- Implements a verification mechanism through a Project Management Agency for transparency and accountability.
Why In News
The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has announced the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS), a significant step aimed at modernizing the Indian pharmaceutical sector and enhancing product quality and safety standards.
MCQs about RPTUAS
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What is the main objective of the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS)?
A. To increase the number of pharmaceutical companies in India
B. To enhance the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products in India
C. To reduce the cost of pharmaceutical products
D. To promote herbal medicines
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Which of the following best describes the eligibility criteria for RPTUAS?
A. Only Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are eligible
B. Only large pharmaceutical companies with a turnover above Rs 500 crore are eligible
C. All pharmaceutical manufacturing units can apply based on their turnover
D. Only foreign pharmaceutical companies are eligible
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What kind of financial support does RPTUAS offer to participating pharmaceutical units?
A. Only grants without any conditions
B. Loans with high-interest rates
C. Flexible financing options, including subsidies on a reimbursement basis
D. No financial support is provided
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How does RPTUAS ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources?
A. By random selection of companies
B. Through a robust verification mechanism implemented by a Project Management Agency
C. By not disclosing the funding process
D. Through public voting
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