Indications are that the NPPA itself may lose much of its significance in the light of the government's move to reduce the rigours of the DPCO. "It is believed that that the NPPA may itself be now overlooked by the department of chemicals," industry sources maintained, though no official confirmation on either developments were available.

Sources suggest that the NPPA may now fall under the purview of the Sood of the department of chemicals. Finance minister Yashwant Sinha, had earlier announced that as part of the government's downsizing efforts, one secretary level post in his ministry would cease to exist with immediate effect.