Question : DNA samples

(a) the details of safeguards to prohibit processing of DNA samples for anything other than the identification purpose;

(b) whether anti-discrimination measures will be adequately provided to protect against targeting on racial, ethnic or any other grounds; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology has formulated ''The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill'' with an aim to provide for the regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) technology for the purposes of establishing the identity of certain categories of persons including the victims, offenders, suspects, under trials, missing persons and unknown deceased persons.
Stringent safeguards and oversight mechanisms have been incorporated appropriately in the draft Bill under “Protection of Information” which covers security and confidentiality of information; use of DNA profiles, DNA samples and records for facilitating identification of persons; restriction on access to information in crime scene index; prohibition on access to information in DNA Data Bank. This also covers details of penalty for unauthorized disclosure of information in DNA Data Bank; obtaining information from DNA Data Bank without authorisation; using DNA sample or result without authorisation; unlawful access to information in DNA Data Bank; destruction, alteration, contamination or tampering with biological evidence.

(b) and (c) This Bill does not target against any racial, ethnic, or any grounds.

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