The Small Scale Industries Board and Policy Division of the Central SSI ministry has decided to review the list of drug intermediates and other chemicals that has been reserved for SSI sector. The Office of the Development Commissioner (SSI) has called for a meeting with the manufacturers to discuss the matter.

The department has pointed out that in the wake of National Policy on Petrochemicals, it has become necessary to review this sector including organic chemicals, drugs intermediates and other chemicals and chemical products reserved for manufacture in the SSI sector. The meeting is also to take view of the revised list of items where investment ceiling has been raised from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore. Interestingly, all drugs and pharmaceuticals come under this list.

The SSI ministry notes that the SSI sector has an important contribution to make in enhancing the competitive strength of Indian industry. "Recognizing the vitality of SSI sector, it has been government policy to support the endeavours of the SSI sector to meet the challenges of globalization on a sustainable basis," it said.

As per the Chemicals Ministry data, Nicotinic Acid/Niacinamide, Paracetamol, Parabens and their Sodium salts starting from p- hydroxy benzoic acid, Calcium Gluconate, Benzyl Banzoate, Pyrazolones, Aluminium Hydroxide Gel and Para Amino Phenol Indl. Grade are the drugs that are currently reserved for SSI manufacturing.