Farm activists across the country have demanded that the deadline to
give feedback on the controversial Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of
India (BRAI) Bill 2013 be extended to 90 days instead of 30.
The Rajya Sabha secretariat issued an advertisement on June 11 and sought public feedback in writing within 30 days.
“It
is a highly controversial Bill and it could decide what all Indians
eat. The Bill affects every citizen and encompasses issues related to
human and animal health, environmental safety, livelihood, trade, and
above all, food safety, food and seed sovereignty. So, to ensure
meaningful public participation, we seek an extension,” said Krishna
Prasad of Sahaja Samrudha.
The BRAI Bill seeks to set up a fast-track single window clearance system for genetically modified organisms.
The
forum urged the state government to send its detailed feedback and play
its part to ensure that such a Bill does not get passed.
“The way
the Bill has been drafted and tabled disregarding widespread opposition
and with basic intent of promoting biotechnology instead of regulating
it, and protecting biosafety makes us term this India’s Monsanto
Protection Bill,” said an activist.
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