Ms Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Government of India
The Government of India has no plans to set up an independent Biosafety institute to test the harmful effects of Genetically Modified (GM) crops that are imported or developed in the country.
Sharing this information in the Rajya Sabha, Ms Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Government of India said, "There are several reputed institutions in India that have the capability of conducting biosafety assessment."
The minister further said, "However, there is a proposal to establish an independent "Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI)" for the regulation of GM Crops through an Act of Parliament, to promote the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of regulatory procedures including the testing of GM crops for harmful effect, if any. The BRAI Bill has been submitted to Lok Sabha Secretariat for introduction by the Department of Biotechnology."
