Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils Indigenous Paracetamol Technology at DSIR Foundation Day Celebration

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, announced the development of an indigenous technology for producing paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, during the 40th Foundation Day celebration of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. This breakthrough by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported raw materials, aligning with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).

Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will spearhead domestic production using this technology, ensuring affordable access to paracetamol while strengthening India’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted DSIR’s contributions over four decades, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and technological growth through industry collaboration. He also recognized CSIR’s pivotal role in advancing India’s scientific and industrial progress.

Marking the occasion, 16 new technology transfers were announced, with contributions from CSIR-CSIO Chennai and CSIR-CEERI Pilani under the “100 Days, 100 Technologies” program. These include IoT-enabled scientific instruments and healthcare technologies aimed at societal benefits. Additionally, an MoU was signed between CSIR-CSIO and ELCIA, Bengaluru, for sensor development collaborations.

Dr. Singh applauded CSIR’s recent milestones, including India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic, Nafithromycin, advancements in gene therapy for hemophilia, and cutting-edge projects like hydrogen buses and the 108-petal lotus initiative.

Reflecting on India’s achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr. Singh credited the government’s prioritization of innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the transformation in India’s space sector, citing startups launching satellites from Sriharikota and ISRO’s successful SPADEX mission, which established India among a select group of nations with space docking capabilities.

The Minister emphasized the need for a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Science” approach, urging greater collaboration between government and private sectors. He underscored the role of the National Research Foundation (NRF), which aims to raise 60% of its funds from non-government sources to drive innovation.

Dr. Singh reiterated that 2025 promises to be a transformative year for science and technology, with numerous ventures planned. He praised initiatives like “One Week, One Lab” (OWOL) and “One Week, One Theme” (OWOT) as instrumental in fostering scientific synergy.

The event also featured remarks from Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary DSIR and DG CSIR, who highlighted the Guwahati Science Declaration’s goal of making India a global economic hub by 2047. Prof. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasized transitioning India from a service-based economy to a product-based economy driven by technology.

The 40th Foundation Day of DSIR served as a platform to showcase India’s progress in science and technology, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering industries, MSMEs, and the scientific community. Senior scientists, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs attended the event, reflecting the collaborative spirit needed to propel India towards a brighter, self-reliant future.