National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Act 2021 Amendments Explained

Introduction

On December 20, 2021, the Ministry of Law and Justice published the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Act, 2021 (No. 43 of 2021), which received presidential assent on December 18, 2021. This Act amends the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Act of 1998, detailing organizational changes and updates to institutional designations.

Summary of Amendments

The following sections outline the key amendments introduced by the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Act, 2021.

Chapter I: Preliminary Provisions

1. Title and Commencement

   • The Act is termed the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Act, 2021, effective from a date specified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.

2. Long Title Amendment

   • The long title of the principal Act is revised to declare specific institutions as institutions of national importance.

3. Section 1 Amendment

   • The word “Institute” in Section 1 is replaced with “Institutes”.

4. Replacement of Section 2

   • New Section 2 declares institutions listed in the Schedule as institutions of national importance.

Key Amendments in Sections

5. Amendments to Section 3

   • Updates definitions and terminologies such as "appointed day" and introduces specific terms like "Council" and "Schedule".

6. Section 4 Modifications

   • Changes the title to "Establishment and Incorporation of Institutes" and clarifies governance structures including the Board of Governors.

7. Omission of Redundant Sections

   • Section 5 of the principal Act is omitted.

8. Section 6 Updates

   • Clarifies property vesting in the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali.

9. Governance Structure Enhancements

   • The Board of Governors now includes representatives from various sectors, ensuring diverse input in governance.

10. Council Establishment (Chapter II-A)

    • Introduces the Council to oversee the coordination and development of pharmaceutical education and research across institutes.

Governance and Council Functionality

• Council Composition (Section 30A)

  • Details the composition of the Council, which includes ex officio members such as the Minister in charge of Pharmaceuticals and industry representatives.

• Term of Office and Allowances (Section 30B)

  • Specifies a three-year term for council members, with allowances determined by the Central Government.

• Council Responsibilities (Section 30C)

  • The Council is tasked with advising on academic standards, recruitment policies, and examining the development plans of each institute.

Additional Amendments

• Revisions throughout sections ensure uniformity in terminology, particularly changing "Institute" to "Institutes" where applicable.
• Specific clauses relating to the management and procedures within each Institute are clarified, enhancing operational transparency.

Conclusion

Through these amendments, the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Act, 2021, aims to augment the structural framework for pharmaceutical education in India, emphasizing the institutes' importance at a national level and ensuring their coordination under a centralized Council. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance the educational landscape for pharmaceutical research and professional development in India.