A shortage of senior officials in Gujarat's Prohibition Department has stalled ethanol import approvals, sparking concern across the state's pharmaceutical sector over looming disruptions to drug manufacturing and supply chains.
The bottleneck emerged after the Home Department recently placed five officials, including Deputy Director Ketan Desai, on "waiting for posting". With no replacements appointed, hundreds of applications for import permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) remain pending.
The department regulates not only permit shops but also alcohol imports for pharmaceuticals, perfumes and industrial use. Without its clearances, companies cannot legally procure alcohol-based raw materials.
Industry insiders say the situation has worsened since the removals, with even the director's post being handled on a charge basis. "Ethanol is essential for our medicines. With NOC files stuck, supplies are irregular and production is directly affected," said a senior executive from a leading pharma firm. Importers echo the alarm. Jaimin Modi, managing director of Technirvana Trade Link, said, "Our operations have virtually come to a standstill. Without NOCs, we cannot import alcohol, and our supply to pharma manufacturers is crippled."
Sources admit senior-level vacancies have long delayed disposal of crucial files. Complaints of prolonged pendency prompted the Home Department's action.
In response, in-charge director Dr Harshit Gosavi said, "Names of replacement officers have been sent to the government. Appointments will be made shortly, and pending ethanol-related applications will be cleared expeditiously."