Last week, ICMR had halted the use of the Wondfo test kits after several states complained.

Three states refused to use the kits, complaining about errors. Rajasthan said only 5.4 per cent of the tests had proved effective. ICMR then asked states to hold off the use of the Rapid Testing Kits for two days.

To NDTV's question on why the kits were overpriced, ICMR's response was that the range approved was Rs 528 to 795 for the Rapid Test kit. "The price depends on the technical specification of kits such as sensitivity, specificity, etc., rate received in tender, supply capacity," said the council.

Beijing has denied the kits are of inferior quality. The ICMR was against the widespread rapid tests, advocating its use only as a screening process in hotspots. Sources said it gave in after pressure from states, which wanted to conduct more tests.