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2 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
EconomyScience & TechnologyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

India Boosts Biopharma with ₹10,000 Crore Scheme for Global Leadership

India launches a ₹10,000 crore scheme to make biopharma a global manufacturing hub.

India Boosts Biopharma with ₹10,000 Crore Scheme for Global Leadership

Photo by Kaja Sariwating

The Indian government has launched a new scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore to boost the biopharmaceutical sector, aiming to establish India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub. This initiative, managed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, will fund research and development (R&D) and manufacturing of complex biopharmaceuticals. The scheme focuses on areas like diabetes, cancer, and rare diseases, which currently rely heavily on imports. The goal is to reduce import dependency and enhance India's capacity to produce complex molecules. The scheme is expected to create 1,000 accredited India-driven biopharma companies and generate 2.5 lakh jobs over the next 10 years.

Key Facts

1.

Scheme outlay: ₹10,000 crore

2.

Managed by: Department of Pharmaceuticals

3.

Target: 1,000 accredited India-driven biopharma companies

4.

Job creation: 2.5 lakh over 10 years

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Economy - Industrial Policy and Development

2.

Connects to government schemes, industrial policy, and health sector

3.

Potential for statement-based questions on government initiatives and their impact

Visual Insights

Key Statistics: India's Biopharma Boost

Key statistics related to the government's scheme to boost the biopharmaceutical sector.

Scheme Outlay
₹10,000 crore

Total investment in the biopharmaceutical sector to boost R&D and manufacturing.

Accredited Biopharma Companies
1,000

Expected number of India-driven biopharma companies to be accredited under the scheme.

Jobs Created
2.5 lakh

Expected number of jobs to be created over the next 10 years as a result of the scheme.

More Information

Background

The biopharmaceutical industry's growth is rooted in advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Early pharmaceutical development focused on chemical synthesis, but the advent of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s revolutionized the field. This led to the production of biopharmaceuticals, including insulin and growth hormones. These developments were supported by evolving regulatory frameworks like the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs. Over time, the biopharmaceutical sector has seen significant milestones. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies marked a new era in treating diseases. Government policies, such as the National Biotechnology Development Strategy, have played a crucial role in fostering innovation and investment in this sector. These policies aim to create an ecosystem conducive to research, development, and manufacturing. The growth of this sector also relies on robust intellectual property rights to protect innovations. The legal and constitutional framework supporting the biopharmaceutical industry includes provisions related to public health, industrial policy, and intellectual property. The Constitution of India mandates the state to improve public health. Acts like the Patents Act protect inventions, while regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act ensure quality control. These frameworks are essential for attracting investment and promoting domestic manufacturing. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, plays a key role in implementing these policies.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on strengthening the biopharmaceutical sector. The launch of schemes like the current ₹10,000 crore scheme aims to boost R&D and manufacturing. These initiatives align with the broader goal of achieving self-reliance in pharmaceutical production and reducing import dependency. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals is another example of government support. There are ongoing debates about the pricing of biopharmaceuticals and ensuring access to affordable medicines. Stakeholders include pharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy groups, and government agencies. Institutions like NITI Aayog play a role in formulating policies that balance innovation with affordability. The focus is on creating a sustainable ecosystem that encourages both domestic production and access to essential medicines. The future outlook for the biopharmaceutical sector in India is promising. Government targets include increasing domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependency. Upcoming milestones include the development of new vaccines and therapies for diseases like cancer and diabetes. The sector is expected to attract significant investment and create numerous job opportunities. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the ₹10,000 crore scheme for the biopharmaceutical sector?

The primary goal is to establish India as a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub and reduce import dependency in complex molecules, particularly for diseases like diabetes, cancer, and rare diseases.

2. Which ministry is responsible for managing the ₹10,000 crore biopharmaceutical scheme?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is managing this scheme.

3. What are the expected outcomes of the scheme in terms of job creation and company accreditation?

The scheme aims to create 2.5 lakh jobs over the next 10 years and accredit 1,000 India-driven biopharma companies.

4. How might this biopharma scheme impact common citizens?

By reducing import dependency and boosting domestic manufacturing, the scheme can potentially lower the cost of complex biopharmaceuticals for diseases like diabetes, cancer, and rare diseases, making them more accessible to common citizens.

5. What is the significance of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in relation to this biopharma initiative?

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for pharmaceuticals is another government initiative aimed at strengthening the biopharmaceutical sector and achieving self-reliance in pharmaceutical production, complementing the goals of the ₹10,000 crore scheme.

6. What are the areas of focus for the biopharmaceutical scheme?

The scheme focuses on research and development (R&D) and manufacturing of complex biopharmaceuticals, particularly for diseases like diabetes, cancer, and rare diseases.

7. What are the key facts and figures to remember about the scheme for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include the scheme outlay of ₹10,000 crore, the target of 1,000 accredited India-driven biopharma companies, and the goal of creating 2.5 lakh jobs over 10 years. Remember that the Department of Pharmaceuticals manages the scheme.

Exam Tip

Remember the numbers! ₹10,000 crore, 1,000 companies, 2.5 lakh jobs, 10 years.

8. What are the potential challenges in implementing this ₹10,000 crore biopharma scheme?

Challenges could include attracting sufficient investment in R&D, ensuring regulatory approvals are streamlined, and competing with established global biopharma manufacturers. Effective implementation and monitoring are crucial.

9. Why is the government focusing on boosting the biopharmaceutical sector now?

The government aims to reduce import dependency, enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, and establish India as a global leader in biopharmaceutical production, aligning with the broader goal of self-reliance.

10. Briefly explain the historical background of the biopharmaceutical industry.

The biopharmaceutical industry's growth is rooted in advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Early pharmaceutical development focused on chemical synthesis, but the advent of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s revolutionized the field, leading to the production of biopharmaceuticals like insulin and growth hormones.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent government scheme to boost the biopharmaceutical sector in India: 1. The scheme has an outlay of ₹10,000 crore. 2. It is managed by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology. 3. The scheme aims to create 1,000 accredited India-driven biopharma companies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The scheme has an outlay of ₹10,000 crore as mentioned in the news. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The scheme is managed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, not the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The scheme aims to create 1,000 accredited India-driven biopharma companies.

2. Which of the following is the primary objective of the government's new scheme to boost the biopharmaceutical sector?

  • A.To promote the import of biopharmaceuticals
  • B.To establish India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub
  • C.To focus solely on generic drug production
  • D.To regulate the prices of all pharmaceuticals
Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of the scheme is to establish India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub. The scheme aims to boost research and development (R&D) and manufacturing of complex biopharmaceuticals, reducing import dependency and enhancing India's capacity to produce complex molecules.

3. The Department of Pharmaceuticals, which manages the new biopharma scheme, falls under which Union Ministry?

  • A.Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • B.Ministry of Science and Technology
  • C.Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
  • D.Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer

Answer: C

The Department of Pharmaceuticals falls under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. This ministry is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs for the development of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

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