Biotech regulator: Cabinet clears Bill

In order to avoid the kind of controversy that surrounded the introduction of genetically-modified variety of brinjal earlier this year....

In order to avoid the kind of controversy that surrounded the introduction of genetically-modified variety of brinjal earlier this year,the government is learnt to have given its in-principle approval to the setting up of an autonomous and independent regulatory authority to govern the research,manufacture and use of genetically-engineered products.

The Cabinet on Monday gave its go-ahead to a draft bill proposing the establishment of a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority NBRA,pending the finalisation of some minor provisions. The Bill might be introduced in the current session of Parliament,sources said.

The proposed NBRA would be placed under a Committee of Secretaries headed by Secretary of Department of Science and Technology DST and having representation from all relevant ministries and not under the Department of Biotechnology DBT or the Ministry of Environment and Forests,both of which had staked claim to host this autonomous authority.

The DBT,which is piloting the Bill,had initially foreseen NBRA under itself but that was contested by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who cited conflict of interest in letting a department that is mandated to promote biotechnology also play host to the regulatory authority.

Both DST and DBT are under the charge of Science and Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan,who incidentally had challenged Rameshs decision earlier this year to block the introduction of Bt brinjal for indefinite time.

Once established,NBRA will replace existing regulatory frameworks represented by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee GEAC and Review Committee on Gentic Manipulation RCGM,and regulate all forms of genetic products,whether they are to be used in agriculture and food,drugs and pharmaceuticals,or industrial applications. GEAC,the apex body on genetic approvals,is under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. RCGM,which is a technical expert committee,functions under the DBT.