CAG flags lapses in ₹1,500 cr National Biopharma Mission

Comptroller and Auditor General of India flagged serious shortcomings in implementation of National Biopharma Mission (NBM), which was approved in 2017 at a total cost of ₹1,500 crore. NBM functioned with severe manpower constraints but hired a consultant with a budget of ₹5 crore. Out of total allocation, ₹163.26 crore was made on nomination basis instead of through transparent competition.