Question : REGULATORY AUTHORITY FOR BIO -TECHNOLOGY



(a) whether the Government proposes to constitute a regulatory authority for bio- technology to govern developments in this segment;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes Sir, Government is considering to set up a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority

(b) & (c) The Authority would be set up as an independent, autonomous and professionally led body to provide a single window mechanism for biosafety clearance of genetically modified products and processes. Existing mechanisms, however, would continue till a full-fledged body is created with the required infrastructure and fully functional autonomy. Details of organization, scope, hierarchical flow of information, transparency of working, autonomy, training and retraining of regulatory professionals, nature of legislation required are currently being worked out.