Question : DNA Technology Regulation Bill

(a) whether the Government has approved the DNA Technology Regulation Bill, 2018;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government decided to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up DNA data banks across India to store profiles and if so, the details thereof;

(e) the steps taken by the Government for the development and application of DNA technologies;

(f) whether the Government has included provision of jail term to those who leak the information stored in DNA data banks and if so, the details thereof; and

(g) other steps taken by the Government in this regard so far?

MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES; ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)



(a to g) Yes Sir, the Government has approved tabling of the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 in Parliament. This will facilitate establishment of identity of certain category of persons including the victims, offenders, suspects, under trials, missing persons and unknown deceased persons. The Bill has provisions to establish a DNA Regulatory Board and setting-up National and Regional DNA Data Banks. This also has provisions for development of uniform code of practices in all laboratories involved in DNA testing; education & training of the personnel involved in justice delivery system; and creating societal awareness. This Bill also has provisions for penalties including imprisonment for unauthorized disclosure of information stored in DNA Data Banks.