National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research (Amendment) Bill , 2021

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research (Amendment) Bill , 2021

Part of: Prelims and GS-II -Education 

Context The Parliament has passed the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

Key takeaways 

• The Bill seeks to amend the original act of 1998 to declare six additional National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) as Institutions of National Importance.
• These institutes are located in Ahmedabad, Hajipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and Raebareli.
• The Bill also provides for a Council to coordinate the activities among the institutes to ensure development of pharmaceutical education and research.
• The NIPERs are for strengthening and enhancing research in the Pharma sector, in the country.

What is the Meaning of the Institute of National Importance?

• The Central Government grants the status of ‘Institute of National Importance’ to premier higher educational institutions in India through an act of the Parliament.
• Such an institute “serves as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel within the specified region of the country/state”.
• Such institutes get special funding and recognition from the Government of India.
• It is observed that generally, such INIs operate outside the University Grants Commission’s ambit and enjoy certain advantages related to taxes.
• Ministry: Ministry of Education
• Some of the benefits that INIs enjoy are listed below:

• • Functional autonomy
  • Increased funding.
  • Better quality of education.
  • Faster decision-making capabilities.
  • Minimal interference from the political executive.