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.
