Activists oppose Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India bill

Anti-genetically modified (GM) activists, including Gene Campaign’s Dr Suman Sahai, on Monday spoke about the “flawed” Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) bill, 2013.

According to Sahai, a Padma Shri recipient, the bill proposed by the UPA government at the Centre was structurally flawed. The bill also proposes the creation of too many authorities without prescribing or defining their powers and responsibilities.

Sahai said confusion prevails over BRAI’s function — the main authority empowered to set up other advisory bodies to help in discharging its functions. “Role and responsibilities of the body are undefined and unclear. Also, it is not being done in consultation with the people, who will be majorly affected by the decision,” he said.

Kapil Shah, who is with Jatan Trust NGO and has accompanied Sahai to spread awareness against the bill across Gujarat, said a meeting has been scheduled with people, farmers and activists.

“According to the Bill, only three to four experts will decide about GM crops and products. There have been instances of blunder in the past by a 29-member committee of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC). Under the current provision, one or two members could also take a decision in the absence of other members,” said Shah.

“Ideally, any decision should be taken involving different ministries and people’s representatives. The bill also mentions that confidential commercial details will not be shared even under the Right to Information Act,” he added.  Both Sahai and Shah would be visiting different parts of Gujarat to inform about the ill-effects of the BRAI bill 2013.