Parshottam Rupala Launches NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, inaugurated the Nandi - NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System portal yesterday at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) developed this portal to enhance the regulatory approval process and ensure transparency in assessing and examining veterinary product proposals. The integration of the Nandi portal with the SUGAM portal of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization will streamline the approval process further.

During the launch event, Rupala commended the remarkable work carried out by the DAHD and emphasized the significance of this initiative in advancing the Digital India campaign and promoting the well-being of livestock and the livestock industry. This portal is a notable addition to the animal vaccination coverage initiative and the implementation of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs). The NANDI portal will not only facilitate regulatory processes but also provide valuable support to researchers and industries from a commercial perspective.

By creating awareness among livestock rearers and improving logistical facilities, the consumption of veterinary drugs is expected to increase. The Union Minister emphasized the need for careful monitoring of the portal's activities over the next few months to establish a robust system. Rupala also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the CDAC, for their contributions to the development of the NANDI portal.

Dr. Sanjeev Balyan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries of India, lauded the efforts of the department in aligning with the Digital India mission. He acknowledged the pivotal role of veterinary vaccines in safeguarding animal health, boosting production, ensuring safe food supplies, and preventing the transmission of infectious diseases from animals to humans.

The DAHD has consistently worked towards expediting the regulatory approval process, which is crucial for the availability of veterinary drugs and vaccines in the country. To achieve this goal, the department has established empowered committees, such as the Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH), chaired by the PSA (GoI).

The ECAH focuses on building resilient, farmer-centric animal health systems in India and proposing changes to enhance the long-term success of the livestock sector. Additionally, the Regulatory Subcommittee, comprised of veterinary experts from the industry and academia, has been set up under the ECAH. This subcommittee deliberates comprehensively, takes efficient actions, and provides recommendations and policy inputs on a veterinary vaccine, biological, and drug submissions.

The development of the NANDI portal by the DAHD in collaboration with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the CDAC aims to expedite the regulatory process for approving animal drugs and vaccines. The portal aligns with the Digital India vision initiated by the Prime Minister and embodies the principles of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance by leveraging IT systems.

NANDI will facilitate growth and innovation by enabling seamless coordination among government departments, institutes, and industries, ultimately strengthening the regulatory process. The portal incorporates features that promote end-to-end coordination between departments, committees/subcommittees, and applicants.