1. Particulars of DBT, Functions and Duties

Objective/purpose of the Department.

The setting up of a separate Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1986 gave a new impetus to the development of the field of modern biology and biotechnology in India. In more than a decade of its existence, the department has promoted and accelerated the pace of development of biotechnology in the country. Through several R&D projects, demonstrations and creation of infrastructural facilities a clear visible impact of this field has been seen. The department has made significant achievements in the growth and application of biotechnology in the broad areas of agriculture, health care, animal sciences, environment, and industry.

The impact of the biotechnology related developments in agriculture, health care, environment and industry, has already been visible and the efforts are now culminating into products and processes. More than 5000 research publications, 4000 post-doctoral students, several technologies transferred to industries and patents filed including US patents, can be considered a modest beginning. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been interacting with more than 5,000 scientists per year in order to utilise the existing expertise of the universities and other national laboratories. A very strong peer reviewing and monitoring mechanism has been developed. There has been close interaction with the State Governments particularly through State S & T Councils for developing biotechnology application projects, demonstration of proven technologies, and training of human resource in States and UnionTerritories. Programmes with the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have been evolved. Biotechnology Application Centres in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal have already been started.

A unique feature of the department has been the deep involvement of the scientific community of the country through a number of technical task forces, advisory committees and individual experts in identification, formulation, implementation and monitoring of various programmes and activities.

In India, more than a decade of concerted effort in research and development in identified areas of modern biology and biotechnology have given rich dividends. The proven technologies at the laboratory level have been scaled up and demonstrated in field. Patenting of innovations, technology transfer to industries and close interaction with them have given a new direction to biotechnology research. Initiatives have been taken to promote transgenic research in plants with emphasis on pest and disease resistance, nutritional quality, silk-worm genome analysis, molecular biology of human genetic disorders, brain research, plant genome research, development, validation and commercialisation of diagnostic kits and vaccines for communicable diseases, food biotechnology, biodiversity conservation and bioprospecting, setting up of micropropagation parks and biotechnology based development for SC/ST, rural areas, women and for different States.

Necessary guidelines for transgenic plants, recombinant vaccines and drugs have also been evolved. A strong base of indigenous capabilities has been created. The field of biotechnology both for new innovations and applications would form a major research and commercial endeavor for socio-economic development.

Mission/Vision statement of the Department:

Vision

Department’s vision is to attain new heights in Biotechnology research, shaping Biotechnology into a premier precision tool of the future for creation of wealth and ensuring social justice specially for the welfare of poor. Products and processes resulting from increasing knowledge generated through Life Science Research and application of techniques of Biotechnology will profoundly influence the existing paradigm of healthcare, agriculture, conservation and utilization of bioresources, production and manufacturing processes and reservation of environment.

Mission

Biotechnology is a frontline area of science with immense potential for the benefit of the human kind. The Department shall devote wholly to achieve excellence in the promotion of biotechnology in the country within the ambit of the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961 as enumerated through the Government of India notifications No. CD-172/86 dated 27.2.86 and No. CD-87/87 dated 31.1.87. The Department shall provide services in the areas of research, infrastructure, generation of human resource, popularization of biotechnology, promotion of industries, creation of centers of excellence, implementation of biosafety guidelines for genetically modified organisms and recombinant DNA products and biotechnology based programs for societal benefits. Bioinformatics is a major mission to establish an information network for the scientific community, nationally and internationally.

Our mission is:

  • Realising full potential of biotechnology
  • A well directed effort, significant investment for generation of products, processes and technologies
  • Enhance efficiency and productivity and cost effectiveness of agriculture, nutritional security, molecular medicine, environmentally sustainable technologies, scientific and technological empowerment of human resource, strong infrastructure for research and commercialization, enhance the knowledge base, nurturing the leads of potential utility, bringing the bioproducts to the market place
  • Socio-economic development / applicants of biotech for upliftment of women, rural, SC & ST population.
  • Promote biotech industry

Brief history of the Department and context of its formation.

Department of Biotechnology was established in 1986 on the recommendation of Scientific Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister.

Duties of the Department.

1.To evolve policies and integrated programmes in biotechnology and ensure their implementation and monitoring.

2.To identify specific programmes of Research and Development and manufacturing in biologicals and biotechnology and oversee the initiation and pursuit of related research and manufacturing activities.

3. To identify, set up and support Centres of Excellence for Research and Development in biotechnology and ensure proper dovetailing of their activities as per national priorities and objectives.

4. To act as a screening, advising and approving agent of the Government with regard to import and transfer of new technologies for the manufacture of biologicals, biotechnological products and their intermediates.

5. Evolve safety guidelines for biotechnology Research and Development and manufacturing in India.

6. To act as the central agency for the import of genetically manipulated materials, culture, cells, specimens, tissues and biotech products including DNA and RNA of any type or size and for promoting their production in the country.

7. Serve as the interministerial and interagency nodal point for all specific international bilateral and multilateral Research and Development collaborations and agreements in the area of biotechnology; act as the nodal point for all technology transfers in the area of biotechnology.

8. Manufacture and ensure application of recombinant, cell-based and DNA vaccines, diagnostics and other biotechnological products.

9. To evolve programmes for Human Resource Development in the area of biotechnology.

10. Serve as an administrative and implementing Department of agencies, commissions, boards, etc. specifically formed by the Government for fulfilling the national objectives in biotechnology and also to serve as the nodal point for Bio-informatics including training and creation of infrastructure, collection, dissemination and exchange of information relating to biotechnology.

11. Matters relating to:

(a)International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi;

(b)National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi;

(c)National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune;

(d)Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad;

(e)National Centre for Plant Genome Research (NCPGR), New Delhi;

(f)National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Gurgaon;

(g)Institute for Bioresource and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal.

12.Matters relating to:

(a)Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited (BIBCOL), Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh;

(b)Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited (IVCOL), Manesar, Gurgaon.

Main activities/functions of the Department.

(1)To provide Grants-in –aid to Universities/NGOs/private individuals, etc. for R&D Projects

(2)Human Resource Development in Biotechnology

Formulation of basic structure in the field of biotechnology in the country; further…Same as objectives and Purpose above

List of services being provided by the Department with a brief write-up on them.

Same as objectives and Purpose above