The department of biotechnology has proposed to the ministry of health, ministry of environments and also to the ministry of agriculture to jointly set up a single regulatory agency to approve biotechnology products in the country. The department has already submitted its proposal to these ministries on which a joint decision is expected soon, said Arvind Duggal, director, Department of Biotechnology.

The objective of the proposed regulatory agency, which is likely to be named as National Regulatory Board for Biotechnology, is to facilitate a single window clearance for all biotechnology products in the country, he said.

"If the proposal is agreed by the departments and the agencies concerned those currently involved in granting clearances for production and commercialization of biotechnology product at different levels, it will be one of the most progressive steps in the country to encourage entrepreneurs in the area of biotechnology," said Duggal.

At present, multiple clearances are required to be obtained for the commercialization of biotechnology products. Depending on the nature of investment, technology, production in the biotechnology sector, separate agencies like FIPB, DCGI, GEAC, and Department of agriculture and Department of Industry are involved in the approval procedure and each approval are to be obtained separately.

"Since the existing system of multiple agency clearances found to be creating lots of confusion and procedural delays for the biotechnology entrepreneurs, the system of a single window clearance has been a long due appeal from the industry," he said.

"In the current system, the entrepreneurs are running from pillar to post to get their required approvals to star up their projects. So the government is also in favour of introducing such a hassle free environment in the regulatory system for encouraging the biotechnology sector," Arvind Duggal informed.