(a) whether in global efforts to unlock the genetic cause of diseases, scientists are working
on the 1000 Genomes Project Plan;
(b) if so, whether the Indian Scientists are struggling to find funds for this prupose;
(c) if so, whether the Indian Institute of Biomedical Genomics has applied for funds to
the Welcome Trust, the organization spearheading the projects;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a): Yes, The 1000 Genomes Project, an internationally co-ordinated effort, aims to map global genomic
diversity.
(b): No. Indian Scientists have received funds from Department of Biotechnology, CSIR and Department
of Science & Technology (DST) for carrying out similar projects.
(c) &(d): Yes, the overarching goal of this project is to partner with national and international
scientific groups as a part of the 1000 Genomes Project to produce a large, unbiased and systematic
profile of global human genomic diversity that will serve as a resource for genetic-epidemiological
studies.
(e): Generally, Government encourages participation of Indian scientists in projects of global significance
as the impact of such projects has also considerable national relevance as well subject to the proviso that
they follow national regulatory, ethical and other relevant norms.