Creating an undemocratic and unaccountable biotechnology regulator a critique of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2011
The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2011 (Bill No. 54 of 2011, BRAI Bill, 2011) was proposed by Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, in the Monsoon Session of the Lok Sabha on 27th July 2011. However, it was not taken up as the Parliament was rocked by heated debates and protests against the arrest of Anna Hazare and others who were demanding the institution of the Lokpal. The Bill was withdrawn them only to be re-introduced in for debate and discussion during the Winter Session of the Parliament commencing 22nd November 2011. It appears that this time too, the Bill may not be taken up, as the Parliament is now rocked with protests against the Government's proposal to allow Foreign Direct Investment in single brand retail, amongst other issues. Environment Support Group has prepared a critique of the Bill entitled: “Creating an Undemocratic and Unaccountable Biotechnology Regulator: A critique of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2011, with particular emphasis on environmental laws”.