The Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industries (CIPI) is consolidating itself as the most representative organization among the small- scale drug manufacturers in the country with three more state associations coming forward to become part of the confederation. The SSI drug industry associations of Bihar, Orissa and Punjab are to be the three newcomers to the CIPI. Keeping in view its national presence, the CIPI has decided to shift its registered office from Chennai to Delhi.

According to sources, Ludhiana Drug Manufacturers Association has already joined the confederation. Orissa Small Drug Manufacturers Association and Bihar Small Scale Drug Manufacturers Associations are expected to follow soon. The CIPI claims to enjoy the support of 8,000 SSI drug manufacturers employing over 10 lakh persons across the country.

The CIPI considers implementation of revised Schedule M as a threat to the SSI sector, and is campaigning for another extension. The confederation has completed its first round of lobbying, with letters going to the decision-makers like the Prime Minister and the health minister. The confederation has also called on a number of MPs supporting their cause, and writing to the government for a review of the Schedule M stipulations.

The major change called for by CIPI in the revised Schedule M is the need for auxiliary area. According to SII industry sources, the confederation is awaiting the government's notification amending the Schedule M. "We have come to know that the government is coming out with some relaxation in the auxiliary area requirement for the existing units that came up before three years. If the changes are good enough, that will put an end to our major problem. The delay in the notification is worrying us," they said.

The SSI sector will need time to go through the changes made in the notification before expressing their suggestions. If the government is not notifying the change in time, we will be compelled to seek further extension, they added.

Asked about the plans of CIPI, Lalit Kumar Jain, a permanent invite to CIPI executive council and chairman, pharma panel, chemexcil, said that the confederation would seek the support of MPs to fulfill their demand for extension of Schedule M implementation.