The six institutes to be set up at the cost of Rs 300 crore each—expected to infuse skilled manpower in pharmacy, biotechnology and clinical trial sectors—were given in principle approval by the Union Cabinet in 2007. It will take another five years for them to become independent.

Till the new institutes are in place, the six existing institutes were asked to “mentor” the new NIPERs so that they can share their infrastructure and campus. 

Since the 2007 cabinet decision was valid for two years, the Union Cabinet allowed the new ones to function for another two years. The new NIPERs will be set up at Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Hajipur, Kolkata, Rae Bareli and Guwahati.

According to the original proposal finalised by the union ministry of chemicals and Pharmaceutical in 2005, each new institute was to be set up at a cost of Rs 200 crore whereas state governments will contribute with land worth Rs 100 crore.

However, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Thursday said a private consultation firm hired by the government has suggested a cost escalation.