Pharma sector to seek excise cut, R&D sops

The Budget has disappointed the domestic pharmaceuticals industry but it may have found an ally in its administrative ministry "" chemicals and petrochemicals.

The ministry plans to urge the finance ministry to re-examine its recommendations and incorporate some amendments in proposals for the industry.

Officials will first take up issues like reduction of the excise duty by half and sops for research and development with the minister, Ram Vilas Paswan, who in turn will take them up with the finance ministry.

Presentations are being prepared by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry's healthcare committee.

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, a multinational lobby, and the domestic producers' guild Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association, too, also have their own plans.