Modi Government Shuts Down Vaccine Maker BIBCOL, Igniting Fierce Congress Criticism

The Modi government has officially approved the closure of Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation (BIBCOL), an Indian company that once made most of the country's oral polio vaccine. This decision, formalized on September 17, 2026, has been sharply criticized by the Congress party, with General Secretary Jairam Ramesh calling it a 'tragedy' on October 18, 2026, and questioning the government's priorities regarding India's self-reliance in vaccine production. BIBCOL, started in 1989 with a vision from then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, was a key player in India's fight against polio, aiming to make the nation independent in vaccine manufacturing. However, the company faced tough times, stopping its main vaccine production in late 2022, and earlier plans for it to produce the COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, did not work out. This closure is part of the Modi government broader strategy to sell off or shut down government-owned companies that are not performing well or are not considered 'strategic'. Beyond the loss of a historic public sector company, the Congress party has voiced concerns that the government might sell off BIBCOL 60 acres of land in Uttar Pradesh, especially since it's located near the new Jewar International Airport. This move highlights ongoing debates about the role of government-owned businesses and India's ability to produce important medical supplies domestically. All eyes will be on how the government proceeds with the asset sale and what steps it takes to ensure vaccine security for the nation.