Response to the proposed Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2009
The purpose of any regulation around Genetic Engineering and related modern biotechnology applications flows from the inherent risks and hazards associated with these technologies. India does not have a separate statute to govern the regulation of GMOs in our food and farming systems. This means that we have only executive orders/rules under the Environment Protection Act 1986 and these rules are easily changeable and altered by the regulators whereas having a proper statute would ensure that frequent, undemocratic changes in rules, guidelines and protocols will not be made too easily.