Congress slams proposed closure of BIBCOL, questions future of polio vaccine PSU

New Delhi: The Congress has raised concerns over the reported closure of Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited (BIBCOL), a government-owned vaccine manufacturing company in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district, questioning the Centre's commitment to preserving public sector institutions that played a role in India's public health programmes.

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Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged on Sunday that the Narendra Modi government had decided to shut down the company, which was established during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.

Ramesh described the reported decision as a tragedy, pointing to BIBCOL's historical contribution to India's polio eradication efforts and its potential role in domestic vaccine manufacturing.

BIBCOL's role in India's polio fight

Established in March 1989, BIBCOL was conceived as a strategic public sector initiative to reduce India's dependence on imported oral polio vaccines and strengthen indigenous vaccine manufacturing capabilities.

The company was set up at a time when poliomyelitis remained a major public health challenge, particularly among children. Its establishment formed part of India's broader efforts to develop domestic capacity for producing vaccines required for mass immunisation programmes.

BIBCOL subsequently became a supplier of oral polio vaccines for India's immunisation efforts, contributing to the country's long campaign against the disease.

India recorded its last case of wild poliovirus in January 2011 and was officially certified polio-free by the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Region in March 2014.

However, despite its contribution to this public health achievement, BIBCOL subsequently faced financial and operational difficulties, raising questions about its long-term viability.

Covaxin production plan failed to materialise

BIBCOL attracted renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when plans emerged to involve the company in manufacturing Covaxin, India's indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine.

The proposal was intended to expand domestic vaccine production capacity by utilising public sector manufacturing infrastructure.

However, the proposed manufacturing arrangement did not translate into commercial production at the facility.

Ramesh referred to this missed opportunity while questioning why an established public sector vaccine manufacturer was now reportedly facing closure.

Government approved closure in September

The government's decision to close BIBCOL was formally disclosed to stock exchanges on September 17, 2026, following a communication from the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The disclosure confirmed that the Centre had approved the company's closure, although the subsequent winding-up process and disposal of its assets are separate matters.

### Congress questions future of 60-acre land

Ramesh also raised concerns about the future of BIBCOL's landholding near the Noida International Airport at Jewar, suggesting that the property could be sold following the company's closure.

"Now the Modi government has decided to close it down and will no doubt sell off its 60 or so acres close to the new Jewar International Airport. What a tragedy this is," Ramesh said.

However, the Congress leader's suggestion about the possible sale of land remains an allegation, and no specific land disposal plan has been established by the information available.

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Employees had approached Rahul Gandhi

The controversy has also revived concerns about the future of BIBCOL's employees.

Last year, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met a delegation of the company's workers who raised grievances over their employment and the future of the organisation.

The Congress subsequently pledged to support their demands and pursue the issue.

BIBCOL's closure marks a significant development for a public sector enterprise established to address a critical national healthcare requirement. Its history also raises a broader policy question: whether financially distressed vaccine PSUs should be shut down or restructured to preserve strategic manufacturing capabilities for future public health emergencies.

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