Jairam Ramesh for independent regulators for bio-technology

Union minister of state for environment and forests, Jairam Ramesh, today favoured setting up independent regulators for bio-technology to regulate the introduction of genetically modified crops.
    
"I think what we need is an independent regulator. An independent biotechnology regulator and independent genetic engineering regulator which will regulate in a professional and scientific manner the introduction of genetically modified crops," he told reporters here today after conducting a public hearing on the introduction of Bt brinjal.
    
The Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee (GEAC) and the other committee on bio-technology are part of the government, he said.
    
"This is one of my regrets. This recommendation was made way back in 2004. Had we had an independent regulator today, half the controversy on Bt brinjal would not have arisen," he said.
    
Though the matter is not under the purview of his ministry, Ramesh said he would draw the attention to the need for having independent regulators when he makes the decision on Bt brinjal.
    
The minister also favoured changing the name of Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee (GEAC) as Genetic Engineering Assessment Committee as the word 'approval' gave the impression that it had already reached a conclusion.
    
A bill in this regard would be introduced in Parliament soon, he added.