Priyanka Gandhi questions government's move to sell profitable Miniratna pharma company
Almora: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has raised concerns over the government's decision to sell Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL), a profitable public sector unit. Located in Mohan, Almora, the pharmaceutical company was established in 1978 as a joint venture between the Central and State governments and is known for producing Ayurvedic and Unani medicines.
According to reports, IMPCL, a Miniratna company, earned a profit of ₹18 crore last year and is set to provide a ₹6 crore dividend to the government. It supplies medicines across India and exports them internationally as well. The company employs over 500 people, and thousands of small farmers depend on it for the supply of raw materials and produce.
Priyanka Gandhi criticised the move to sell the profitable unit, suggesting that it contradicts the government’s stance on promoting Ayurveda and AYUSH. “What could be the motive behind selling a profit-making pharmaceutical unit, other than to fill the coffers of select friends by handing over the nation’s valuable assets?” she tweeted.
She argued that the decision exposes the hypocrisy in the government's claim of promoting traditional medicine systems and questioned the rationale behind selling a company that benefits small farmers and contributes to the economy.
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
