Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued an Order regarding capping the trade margin of Oxygen Concentrators
The trade margin of Oxygen Concentrators is sought to be capped at first point of sale, i.e. the capping of price to distributor. This will fix the Maximum Retail Price of the product. The previous notifications on this subject matter had previously extend the capping till 31st December, 2022, the present order has now has been extended to 31st March, 2023.
CDSCO and State Drugs Control Administration commence joint inspection of Drug Manufacturing Units
The Joint Inspections are being conducted all over the country as per the Standard Operating Procedures. A committee of two Joint Drugs Controllers has been constituted at CDSCO (HQ) to monitor the process of inspection, reporting & subsequent action so as to ensure compliance to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder. The aim is to ensure high standards of quality compliance with respect to drugs manufactured in the country.
General framework for imposing environmental damage compensation
The principle of strict liability shall be exercised on the polluter while implementing environmental damage compensation. Strict liability is the imposition of liability on the polluter without finding a fault such as exceedance of standards, negligence, or ill intention.
CPCB issues notification on Directions for the provision of GST invoices of transactions related to plastic packaging by Producers/ Importers/ Brand owners (PIBOS) and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change had previously issued the Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR Guidelines) for Plastic Packaging in Schedule II of the 4th amendment of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These Guidelines were issued on 16th February, 2022. Section 9 of the EPR Guidelines states that Environment Compensation (EC) shall be levied by CPCB/SPCB/PCC on PIBOS for the non-fulfillment of their EPR targets, responsibilities, and obligations in these guidelines.
Registration/Diagnostics/Treatment fee at National Institutes/CRCs under DEPwD to be waived off for differently abled
At all National Institutes (NIs) (Autonomous Bodies under DEPwD) and Composite Regional Centers (CRCs) (extended arms of NIs), registration/diagnostics/ treatment fees have been waived off for UDID card holders, as well as for those who have disability certificate and are enrolled on UDID portal, irrespective of percentage of disability, w.e.f. 1st January 2023.
Assam PCB clarification on revision of minimum CTE/CTO fee for the Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAMC) manufacturing units,Crushers and Stone Crushers
CTO shall be granted to the Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAMC) manufacturing units (Bee Hive Coke Oven) and LAMC Crushers for a period of only one (1) year as these units are under the scanner of Hon’ble Courts including Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Delhi PCC issues notice to implement restrictive actions under GRAP for Stages III & IV
It may be recalled that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had issued a direction to enforce a strict ban on construction and demolition activities. This direction was issued on 29.10.2022. It exempted only certain specified categories of projects. Subsequently on 3.11.2022, the directions were revised and Stage IV of GRAP was invoked. Presently, keeping in view public interest to curb sever air pollution, DPCC directs strict implementation of both directions, i.e. dated 29.10.2022 and 03.11.2022.
CPCB issues Guidance Document for Module IA, II & III of the Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC) had notified the ‘Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging’. The notification was made by virtue of its fourth Amendment to the Plastic Waste Management Rules. The notification was dated 16th February, 2022 and the guidelines were inserted in Schedule II of the Rules. The EPR Guidelines provide for a portal for registration of Producers, Importers and Brand-Owners / Plastic Waste Processors.
The Maharashtra PCB issues Circular on Standardisation of Membership Certificate Issued by Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities
The membership certificate is issued by the CTF after verification of essential information. This certificate will now have two QR codes and have all prescribed information. The Common Treatment Facility (CTF) shall update its data regularly on server for online verification of the certificates. The facility will grant these certificates to their registered Health Care Establishments (HCE) in the format notified in the present Circular.
Status of the National Water Framework Bill, 2016
The Bill was circulated to States/UTs and the concerned Central Ministries for obtaining their comments. Comments on the draft bill have been received from 11 States viz., Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand. Additionally, interim responses have been received from 5 States/UTs viz., Uttarakhand, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, NCT of Delhi and Lakshadweep.
