INTRODUCTION
Currently, India is a biotech growth catalyst, ranking in the top 12 destinations of biotechnology in the world. To encourage biotechnology, The Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on 15th March 2016. The bill was passed on 25th April 2016.
India had entered into an agreement with the UNESCO in 2006 regarding the establishment of a regional centre for biotechnology to serve the member countries of the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In light of this, the Indian government set up a regional centre for biotechnology training and education in Faridabad, Haryana in 2009. The Act seeks to provide legislative backing to the educational centre.
CENTRAL THEME OF THE ACT
The Act seeks to provide research and instructional facilities in various branches of biotechnology to advance knowledge and to facilitate the exchange of technology and knowledge at the regional level. It aims to provide national importance to the centre and create a hub of biotechnology expertise in the Asian region. The main objectives of this Act are:
- To establish infrastructure and technology facilities relating to biotechnology education, training and research. The act also encourages research, development and scientific investigations in collaboration with other regional research centres.
- To grant educational degrees of master’s, doctorate and post-graduate diplomas in biotechnology and related subjects (e.g.: engineering and medical sciences). It also has the power to provide long term and short term training courses on biotechnology from time to time.
FEATURES OF THE ACT
- The Regional Centre would comprise of the following authorities:
- The Board of Governors: The Board of Governors shall be responsible for the governance of the centre. The board should meet at least once a year for meetings. It shall consist of the following members:
- The Secretary with the Department of Biotechnology, who would be the ex officio Chairperson of the Centre,
- Three eminent scientists in the relevant field not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent, at least one of whom shall be a woman. These members to be nominated by the Central Government,
- A representative of the Director-General of UNESCO, and
- Two representatives from other member states of UNESCO to contribute resources for the running of the Regional Centre.
The Board of Governors has the power to approve the annual budget of the Regional Centre, reviewing the policies and programs of the Regional Centre and suggesting measures for the improvement and development of the Regional Centre.
- The Programme Advisory Committee: It is the principal academic body of the Regional Centre and shall advise planning, execution, review and monitoring of the scientific and academic programme of the Regional Centre. It is comprised of the following :
- A chairperson,
- Two members nominated by the UNESCO,
- Two members having expertise in the field of biotechnology and legal matters to be nominated by the central government, and
- Six members being renowned scientist or academician, nominated by the Board of Governor.
The Programme Advisory Committee is responsible for making recommendations related to planning research activities and training activities. It can also make recommendations on modifying of education, training and research programs and making reports thereon.
- The Executive Committee: This committee is responsible for the management and implementation of policies.
- The Finance Committee: The Finance Committee shall review and make recommendations on finances, annual budget statement of accounts and audits.
- Funds of the regional centre shall include:
- All money provided by the central government,
- All the fees and other charges received by the regional centre, and
- All money received by the regional centre by way of grant of gifts or donations.
- The annual report of the regional centre should be prepared under the Executive Director’s directions, the principal executive and academic officer of the regional centre. It should be submitted to the Board of Governors, and a copy of the annual report should also be submitted to the Central Government which would then be laid before the House of Parliament.
- Any dispute arising between the regional centre and its employees would be resolved through means of Arbitration.
BENEFITS
For the past few decades, biotechnology has benefited areas like healthcare, medicine, agriculture, dairy horticulture, etc. India currently is the third biggest biotechnology hub in the Asia region and is gaining a lot of attention from students. This Act will benefit such students by giving them elite education with professional leadership and opportunities through multi-disciplinary research.
CONCLUSION
The primary focus of The Regional Centre of Biotechnology is to provide world class education, training and conduct innovative research to create high quality human resource in areas of biotechnology in a globally competitive research environment. The centre has been recognized as an institute of national importance India’s Parliament through the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Act, 2016.
