The Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers' Association (ADMA) wants the Department of Ayush to take a gradual approach while implementing the proposed draft notification on Schedule Z after considering requisite change as suggested by the stakeholders. This demand was projected in the representation that they recently sent to the government which elaborately highlighted the industry issues and concerns over adopting the proposed draft notification.

The association stressed that industry is not against any progressive ideas offered by the government provided that they are taken after considerable discussion and deliberation with the stakeholders. The industry pointed out that they are open to consider the proposition, however implied that the industry needs time to adjust to these changes.

ADMA in their representation suggested that the government should take a calculative approach focusing on gradually implementing the so called changed in an organised and phased manner so that the industry will not be forced to face the brunt of the changes. The association stated that prior to coming out with regulatory changes the government should also take into account the ability of the small scale industry in adopting to those proposed changes.

Shashank Sadhu, treasurer, ADMA, stressed, “We suggest that the said proposal if implemented should be done in a planned manner after considering the ability of the common denominator ie the small scale companies in adopting to these changes, especially since its the SMEs who make up a major part of the industry. Unfortunately, since neither do they have the financial assistance nor the infrastructural ability to cope up with this demand it would not be possible to expect them to adopt these changes as the government plans. We need time and support from the government, failing to which we fear that the small scale industry will be completely wiped out from the this sector.”

In their representation they also highlighted some of the key points and stressed that incentives and government support is also a major issues. ADMA has already demanded the government to upgrade the level of incentives provided to the ASU industry from the current one in the 12th five year plan. They have stressed that it should be done in totality and not in isolation considering the changing market dynamics.