Spurious drugs: government announces reward scheme for whistleblowers

The  central government has announced a scheme providing financial rewards to whistleblowers who risk providing information about those involved in the spurious drugs racket.

The reward scheme for "whistleblowers" regarding spurious or fake drugs, cosmetics and medical devices will work on the lines of schemes already in operation in other enforcement departments of the government,  with the rewards linked to the value of seizures.

The reward scheme will be applicable to both the informers as well as officers of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

Under the scheme, a maximum of up to 20 per cent of the total cost of the confiscated consignments will be payable to the informers and officials. This would, however, be subject to an overall ceiling of Rs25 lakh in each case.

RewAccording to the scheme whistleblowers or informers and officials will be eligible for rewards only when there is a confirmation of the seizure of spurious, adulterated and misbranded drugs, cosmetics and medical devices by the designated officers of the CDSCO.

Government / CDSCO officials will be eligible for rewards of up to Rs5 lakh per seizure and a maximum of Rs30 lakh in their entire service.