Parl Panel asks DoP to work for time-bound revival of HAL

NEW DELHI, Dec 11:  Pressing for a time-bound revival of Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd (HAL), a parliamentary panel has asked the Department of Pharmaceuticals to coordinate with all concerned for the same.
The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers in its 29th report pointed out that the process of appointment of a consultant has already been initiated by HAL for the revival.
“Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) should coordinate with all concerned including consultant to prepare the concept paper to expedite the revival of HAL in a time bound manner,” the panel recommended.
Cabinet has referred the proposal for revival of HAL to a Committee of Ministers.
DoP has been directed by the committee of ministers to appoint a consultant to develop a concept note and prepare a report/document on the issue of revival.
The panel, however, said DoP has not commented anything about the latest position of the Cabinet decision regarding the revival of Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (IDPL).
“For the revival of IDPL, the committee observe though IDPL has made a turnaround this year, but still a revisit on the functioning of IDPL is expedient,” the report added.
On the issue of salary of HAL employees, the committee said it was dismayed to note that the department has not commented on its recommendation to provide some interim relief to the employees of HAL.
“The committee therefore reiterate its earlier recommendation and hope that the decision for salary of HAL employees shall be taken at the earliest as it will be a moral booster and succour to loyal staff,” the report said.
The committee had asked the department to provide some interim relief to the HAL employees earlier too.
The committee would like to be apprised of the action taken by the department in this regard, the report said. (PTI)