CMs urged to take up BRAI Bill issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Coalition for a GM-Free India on Friday sent out letters to the Chief Ministers of all states requesting them to take up the issue of Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill, 2011 (BRAI Bill) at the upcoming National Development Council meeting in order to safeguard the health of the people and sustainability of farming from GM crops.The NDC meeting is slated for October 22, where the approach paper to the upcoming 12th Five-year plan is being discussed. The approach paper states promotion of GM  crops, a health and environmental hazard. GM crops today are seen globally as one of the biggest threats to sustaining agriculture.Civil society as well as scientists and various State Governments have been opposing the entry of Genetically-Modified (GM) Crops in India, said the letter.The BRAI Bill has been listed for tabling in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.This new legislation is seen as an overt effort to push GM crops in the country. The Bill proposes to put in place a centralised technocratic body which will take all decisions on the approval of GM crops with absolutely no role for the Indian public or their elected representatives in the decision making, pointed out Coalition convener R Sridhar in the letter.The coalition letter specifically pointed out that besides lowering the bar for GM crop approvals, the new regulatory system is also unconstitutional as it overrides the powers of the State Governments on matters related to agriculture and health.It reminded the states that it was the opposition by 13 State Governments that put the Bt Brinjal, the first GM food crop under a moratorium.The proposed BRAI negates the powers of state to reject GM crops and protect states’ interests.The Coalition also requested the Chief Minister to ask the Union Government to withdraw the Bill in its current form and ensure that the State Governments and the public is consulted before any regulation on GM crops is put in place as it is a question of safety and sustainability of our food and farming.The Coalition urged the Chief Ministers to take up the cause of ecological and social farming for our sustainable future.