The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is planning to set up a DNA Profiling Advisory Board (D-PAB) to streamline the functioning of DNA profiling centres across the country and to ensure uniformity in the DNA test results from various such centres. The Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad has been identified as the nodal institution to work on the setting up of D-PAB.

As the first step towards the formation of D-PAB, the DBT has constituted a DNA Profiling Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of Dr Padmanabhan, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, to discuss and debate issues relating to quality control, creation of DNA data bank of convicts and enactment of appropriate legislation for governing various activities pertaining to DNA finger printing. The committee would outline the broad policy directives need for framing necessary regulations concerning DNA profiling, testing, DNA data bank and crime investigation etc. D-PAB would be given the responsibility to oversee and enforce these proposed regulations.

The specific mandate of the committee includes assessment of infrastructure for DNA profiling facility, in the light of the crime situation in the society, as well as the need for the creation of additional facilities and upgradation of existing laboratories and making recommendations for governmental assistance to DNA profiling related work and activities.

The secretariat of the committee, which has about 30 experts as its members, is CDFD. Dr Syed Hasnain, director, CDFD is the convener of the committee.

The committee will also evolve uniform methods and standards to ensure quality-assured examination of DNA samples, advise on new research and development activities related to DNA profiling and securing intellectual property rights protection. It will also pave the way for setting up of a DNA data bank and enact suitable legislation relating to DNA profiling. Subsequently, the committee will facilitate the setting up of the DNA Profiling Advisory Board.