Prof. S Krishnaswamy, MD, Animal Biotech Pvt Ltd 

We need a strong National Biotechnology Policy. There are biotechnology polices in many states. But these policies mainly talk about infrastructure and investments only. There is another reason for a National policy.

Biotechnology will transcend national boundaries and it will soon become part of discussions with external agencies. We should, therefore, have a clear-cut policy. Now nobody knows who is doing what in India. Regulations should cover developments in the pre-production stage. Not just the post-product developments. The policy should take a realistic look at the regulations dealing with biotechnology. There is an urgent need to minimize regulations. It is easier to be terrorist in this country than being a biotechnologist. There are too many agencies to deal with before a product can be put in the market. As such this segment has a long incubation period.

Did any one protest when biotechnology based hepatitis B vaccine or human insulin vaccines were introduced in the country. Why is there a hue and cry only about food products? There are a lot of vested interests. On the other hand, China is going ahead with transgenic crops. 

Dr Jamshed R Tata, National Institute for Medical Research, London and an overseas advisor to DBT, India

Yes. There is a need to have a National Biotech Policy, but with some qualifications. The current Vision document on biotechnology can only partially fulfill the provisions for the next decade. It is impossible to predict future developments in this rapidly moving field of scientific and technical advances, which would be determined not only by scientific and technological, progress but also by global economic and political situation. So what I can say is that there should not be too much reliance on a Vision document. 

The best National Policy is to facilitate and encourage the innovators and venture capitalists with the least amount of bureaucratic hindrances so as to maximize speedy outcomes. The successful exploitation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and software technology in India should serve as a role model here.

Dr Villoo Morawala-Patell, CEO, Avesthagen

About the current Vision document on biotechnology, the government is taking steps like investing in creation of infrastructure for biotechnology by setting up a dedicated Department for Biotechnology(DBT). The DBT is the nodal agency for policy, promotion of R&D, international co-operation and manufacturing acitivities.
The current focus is on genomics, proteomics, trasngenics, stem cell research and product development. Having invested over $500 million towards R&D in national laboratories and Centers of Excellence since its inception in 1986, several products in agriculture, environmental and health areas are already in the market.
But the explosion in biotechnology far exceeds the governmental support that is at present possible. India could do well to emulate countries like Australia, Canada and China for a National Biotechnology Policy.

Prof. Vijay Chandru, chairman and chief scientist, Strand Genomics

I must admit my lack of familiarity with the Vision document released by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in 2001. I recall having read a brief review in Current Science, which didn’t really grab my attention. I have read other documents- the Karnataka paper etc. But by and large I find them to be largely motherhood statements and in an attempt to be comprehensive, the documents get spread very thin. It may be interesting to profile the targeted funding in biotechnology that has been happening in the last couple of years to get a sense of whether there is a well-defined policy in action. The DBT, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), including the New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) program, would be some of the key agencies. It would also be interesting to see where the investment capital is flowing.

A concerted National Biotechnology Policy of the kind that Singapore seems to have is probably unworkable and unsuitable for India. A central regulatory framework is of course important but to expect that a policy would actually converge on the range of technology and product choices seems a bit extreme.

It would like to see a few more “ leadership” programs of the NMITLI flavor launched to drive a few niche initiatives. Our human resources in life sciences, the rich biodiversity, our huge agricultural base, the strong interplay between software and biotechnology are some of the obvious facto

Subash Lingareddy, director, Ocimum Biosolutions Ltd

We should have a National Biotech Policy. Almost all European countries have well defined biotech policies, particularly the East European countries, which may emerge as major players in some areas. In Germany, each state has a ‘biotech corridor’. 
We should have a policy, which helps India to fight for its share of the global biotech pie, based on its size. We should make companies, even smaller ones, welcome in the country with investments. Clear recognition to intellectual property rights (IPR) is key issue. We have a great opportunity as a nation. We have to show that we can make world class products. 

The biggest fear of investors abroad opting for India are corruption, excessive regulations and unnecessary transaction costs. The regulatory regime, which involves too many clearances, is cumbersome. Then there are high taxation rates on specialized instruments and consumables required by companies. On an average one has to wait for two months to import critical equipment. In Singapore, it takes eight hours to import required chemicals.

DA Prasanna, CEO, Wipro Healthcare and Lifesciences

It is high time that India should have a clear and simple policy on Biotechnology. I had a very fair knowledge about the biotech Vision document of the Government of India. With that I can only say the National Biotech Policy should incorporate all the factors such as biosafety, ethics, corporate responsibility towards the society etc.

Varaprasada Reddy, MD, Shantha Biotechnics Pvt Ltd

India definitely needs a National Biotechnology Policy more so because it is technology driven. India has
expressed its enthusiasm to develop biotechnology. A separate Department of Biotechnology was set up in 1986 to give a boost to the development of biotechnology in the country. This was a laudable step.
The government has also initiated a $20 million genome initiative to facilitate advances in pharmaco genomics and new drug discovery. The call is to make India a destination for cost effective solutions to global biotechnology issues. The biotech industry in India is poised to emerge as a significant player in the global biotech map. Fuelling the growth are the following factors:
· Low cost of innovation (one-seventh to one-tenth of
those in developed markets in R & D costs).
· Availability of a large pool of scientific talent.
· Low cost manufacturing base.
· Established pharmaceutical industry, which is a
platform for the sunrise biotech industry.
· Financing by the government.
· Large diversity in the genetic make-up of the 
population.
However, there is a dire need for streamlining the processes- regulatory and funding. The infrastructure too needs to be strengthened. All this calls for a comprehensive National Biotechnology Policy.

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