The fate of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill (BRAI) hangs in balance, with the Union Government remaining non-committal on the time frame to introduce the much-awaited bill in the Parliament.
Though the bill was expected to make into the House during the just-concluded monsoon Session, it was not tabled. Without specifying time-frame for its introduction, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Ashwani Kumar has stated that a draft bill was ready to establish the BRAI.
“According to BRAI Bill, 2011, the Authority will be an autonomous body and statutory agency to regulate the research, transport, import, manufacture and use of organisms and products of modern biotechnology. The Authority will consist of one chairperson, two full-time members and two part-time members. Each of them will have expertise in life sciences and biotechnology applications in agriculture, health care, environment and general biology,” the Minister stated in the House.
Though several bills related to pharma and health sectors were pending, at least the biotechnology authority bill had found a place in the list for transaction of business ahead of the monsoon session. However, with the issue of corruption taking maximum slot during the session, the bill could not be introduced.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been very keen to see the introduction of the bill as all formalities including several rounds of discussion with the stakeholders were over. The passage of the bill will bring positive and powerful changes in the biotechnology sector, including the pharmaceuticals and health research. It will usher in the next stage of all-round growth in the sector. Some of the concerns faced by the industry will also be addressed through this bill, according to the Department.