(a) whether the Government proposes to promote the bio-tech market in view of great
potential to emerge as a global player in the sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this regard;
(c) the details of assistance provided by the Government during 2005-06 and 2006-07 for
promotion of bio-tech in the country;
(d) the criteria for allocation of such assistance; and
(e) the system evolved to regulate the bio-tech regimes in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF
THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir, The Government has taken a very proactive view for the promotion of biotech
market keeping in view the strength and potential of the biotech industry of the country. The
Government has taken various steps in terms of fiscal incentives, tax benefits, custom duty
rationalization for the promotion of biotech market. For the promotion of biotech products,
apart from various research & development programmes, the Department of Biotechnology has
initiated a programme for public-private paternership in the form of Small Business Innovative
Research Initiative (SBIRI) during 2005-2006.
(c) & (d) The Department initiated SBIRI programme for the promotion of boiotech industry and
the biotech products market during 2005-2006. An assistance of Rs. 1648 lakhs was earmarked
for the year 2005-2006 and Rs.l 100 lakhs have been spent during the year 2006-2007. The
criteria for allocation of such funds is based on the recommendations and approval of the
Planning Commission and can be accessed at http://www.dbtindia.nic.in/ or www.dbtindia.gov.in.
(e) To regulate the biotech regime in the country, the Government has evolved a biotech
regulatory system under the Environment (Protection) Act 1996 and the Rules 1989 thereunder.
Under this Act, the biotech products are regulated through Institutional Biosafety Committee
(IBSC), Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) and the Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee (GEAC). The IBSC and RCGM are serviced by the Department of Biotechnology while
GEAC is serviced by the Ministry of Environment & Forests.