(a) whether the Government are contemplating to set up a National Institute on Bio-
Technology;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government are aware of `ASSOCHAM`S` declaration on Bio-Technology
2003; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): The Government has already created seven institutions in specialized areas of bio-
technology.
(c): Yes, Sir. One of the declarations is to `start new national institutions of Biotechnology,
Indian Institute of Bio-technology(IIBTs), on the same pattern as Indian Institute of Information
Technology (IIITs) or Indian Institute of Technology (IITs). Alternatively, re-engineer selected
national laboratories to up-grade their status to Indian Institute of Biotechnology where industrial
research and academic work go hand in hand`.
(d): The Government has already set up various institutions where industrial research and
academic work is undertaken in close coordination. The Department of Bio-technology is using to
a great extent the existing infrastructure to set up specialized facilities for industry oriented
biotechnology.