Policy Update
Meenu Mohan
History
The inception of DBT (Department of Biotechnology) in India was in 1986, when the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi established the Department of Biotechnology within the Ministry of Science and Technology, recognizing its importance for economic growth. India was one among the first countries to create a dedicated biotechnology department at that time. The groundwork was well set much earlier in 1982, when the National Biotechnology Board (NBTB) was established to pinpoint the critical areas and formulate long-term plans to build indigenous capabilities in this new emerging area.
Mandate
To ramp up the use of biotechnology, bringing progress in the field of research and development, and improvements in the production of biological science. DBT provides oversight of self-contained institutions, promotion of partnership between universities and industries, identification and establishment of Centres of Excellence for R&D and integrating programs for human resource development and it is the nodal point for international collaborations in specific areas. It lays emphasis on infrastructure development to support both R&D and production while evolving biosafety guidelines, especially for the manufacture and application of cell-based vaccines. It also encompasses becoming the node for information collection and sharing in terms of biotechnology.
Schemes and Initiatives
- To enhance zoonotic disease governance via inclusive surveillance, coordination, and better research and preparedness towards pandemics, One Health Research Consortium comprises 27 organizations involved with interconnected health systems.
Portal for biological research regulatory approval (BioRRAP)
- Common platform providing unique BioRRAP ID for a list of agencies required for research.
CTEP Conference, Travel, Exhibition, and Popular Lectures
- Provides financial assistance towards organizing Conference/ Seminar/ Symposium/ Workshop and Travel support to the researchers for presenting their papers in the conferences which are being organized outside the country.
- Development of a common database for human molecular networks for better understanding of biology related to diseases, diagnostics, and training of students. A Public-Private venture, it compiles molecular information, identifies knowledge gaps, and educates students.
- Catalogue genetic diversity of Indians by sequencing 10,000 individual genomes. This helps provide reference genome, genetic markers for diseases, and personalized medicine.
- Ethical Considerations: Informed consent, Data protection, Participants privacy
Part of Biotechnology Sector Growth Strategy (2021-2025)
- By placing India as a global bio-manufacturing destination, it aids the knowledge-driven Bio economy, which estimates $150 billion growth in the next few years.
- Key Features: Human resource and Infrastructure development, Translational research, and Norm-setting frameworks.
Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network Scheme
- To empower farmers with science-based solutions. It has served more than 1.6 lakh farmers.
- Special Features: Hub-and-spoke model, local leadership, improved seeds, bio-fertilizers, and health management.
- To accelerate indigenous biopharma development in India by encouraging entrepreneurship in biopharma
- Special Features: Rs 1500 crore mission; four verticals; inter-ministerial Steering Committee
Distinguished Biotechnology Research Professorship Award Scheme
- Grants for financial support and research grants to scientists fostering mentorship and leadership of young research groups.
LOTUS-HR Project and DBT-BIRAC Clean Tech Demo Park
- LOTUS-HR Project: Demonstrate holistic management for wastewater to be clean and reusable water.
- DBT-BIRAC Clean Tech Demo Park: Showcase innovative waste-to-value technologies.
- Key Features: A joint India-Netherlands initiative, located at the Barapullah drain site involving various technologies and lots of educational tools.
Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT
Programmes
Fellowship and Training
Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT
International Collaboration
Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT
Skill Development and Outreach
Source: Annual Report 2023-24, DBT
Research Infrastructure
Other Initiatives
New Initiatives
Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
- Research Focus: Corn-based biopolymers, sustainable films/coatings, nano-cellulose, PGGA blends, algae-based plastics, bioconversion of wastes.
- Implementation: Thirty institutions across India.
- Goal: Develop sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and support plastic waste management.
Key Achievements
- iSMAART: Ceramic membrane integrated anaerobic bioreactor for textile effluent treatment (90% dye decolourization, 70% COD reduction).
- DNA Aptasensor: Point-of-care diagnostic device for E. coli detection in water and urine.
- Marine Biosurfactant: Low-cost production of biosurfactant for oil removal from water.
- Biosurfactant-Mediated Enhanced Oil Recovery: Use of molasses for biosurfactant production in a semi-continuous bioreactor.
References
About the Contributor– Meenu Mohan is a Research Intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute, and holds a BSMS Degree in Mathematics from IISER, Bhopal.
Acknowledgement– The author extends sincere thanks to Dr. Arjun Kumar, Aasthaba Jadeja, Geetam Acharya, and Shivashish Narayan.
Read more at IMPRI:
Bridging the Skies: The Success and Challenges of UDAN-RCS (2017)
Social and Performance Audit Authority (SPAA) 2021, Rajasthan
