The department of commerce has proposed setting up a 21-member governing body representing manufacturers of basic materials for packaging, users of packaging, and traders, exporters and dealers besides officials of various ministries such as education, food processing and MSME.
The department of commerce said that it proposes to do so for “the promotion and development of quality and excellence in education, research and training in all disciplines relating to packaging, design and development” in the draft bill on which comments can be given by October 12.
As per the proposed bill, the institute will be responsive to “acquire any patent or license relating to such invention, improvement, design or standardisation marks”.
Setup in 1966, the institute offers diploma and certificate courses, which as per the department, “limits the overall potential of the institute in terms of recognition”.
“The recognition… would help achieve the institute autonomy in design and development of its own courses,” the department said, adding that the government may grant assistance to the institute if it deems fit.
The institute may setup an endowment fund for specified purposes, it said.
