M/s. Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (MAHYCO) has been permitted to undertake field trials and generate environmental safety data on transgenic cotton in various agro-climatic regions of the country. The Mumbai-based MAHYCO had applied to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) for permission to conduct large-scale trials using transgenic cotton for seed production and demonstration. Their application was considered by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in the MoEF.

    The Committee after due consideration decided that that the demonstration of transgenic cotton technology to the farmers can be allowed only after the bio-safety issues have been thoroughly examined. Having completed the small-scale field trials, the firm should concentrate on large-scale field trials. Accordingly, it was decided that the firm may undertake large-scale field trials only in 85 hectares of land and seed production in 150 hectares. However, seeds so produced shall not be used for commercial sale.

    The GEAC consists of, besides experts in the field of genetic engineering and molecular biology, experts drawn from ICAR, CSIR, ICMR, Drug Controller of India, Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Central Pollution Control Board. To consider the proposal of M/s Mahyco, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) participated as special invitees in GEAC meeting.

    While granting approval for field trials, GEAC has also prescribed stringent conditions for compliance. The firm has been asked to undertake following studies during the trials:

i)    To undertake nutritional studies in buffaloes and cows to determine as to whether transgenic cotton seed as well as transgenic cotton seed oil has any effect on animal health, milk production and quality of milk vis-a-vis, health of the people.

ii) To undertake insect-resistance studies on other plant pests.

3. To undertake toxicity studies on other animal species like poultry, fish, etc. under Indian conditions.
4. To generate data on the stability of Cry1Ac gene.
5. To undertake fresh studies on gene flow/pollen and the assessment of impact of such migration on non-transgenic cotton.
6. To get authentic report from an Indian laboratory like South Campus of Delhi University or Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad that Bt seeds do not contain ‘Terminator Gene’ to reassure the public and NGOs that the introduction of new technology would not in any way affect our farming practices.
7. To make available socio-economic data like cost of transgenic cotton seed, projected demand and the area to be covered under transgenic cotton cultivation.

    Another significant decisions taken by GEAC is that data generated as a result of large-scale trials during the next one-year would be rigorously monitored. Since transgenic cotton is an agriculture-based product, it was decided that ICAR system including agricultural universities be fully involved for monitoring seed production. It was also decided that the Monitoring-cum-Evaluation Committee (MEC) set up earlier by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) would continue to monitor large-scale field trials and other studies recommended by GEAC

    M/s Mahyco, Mumbai had imported the transgenic cotton seeds in 1996 after permission by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) set up by the DBT. The firm had conducted greenhouse and small-scale field trials alongwith toxicity and allergenic studies during 1996-99 using the backcrossed Indian cotton variety. The Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC) constituted by DBT had monitored the small-scale field trials conducted by the firm. Based on the data obtained, RCGM and DBT had recommended to the Ministry of Environment & Forests that the firm may be allowed to conduct large-scale field trials in the country.

    Transgenic cotton has already been commercialised in countries like USA, China, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. However, it was felt that new technology can be allowed in the country only after biosafety and environmental issues are fully addressed. In the present case, MoEF has also to satisfy itself about agronomic performance of transgenic cotton along with the larger issue of farmers’ acceptance of the new technology and its socio-economic impact

    Field trials on transgenic crops have already been conducted in 45 countries during 1986 to 1999. Total area world over under transgenics during 1999 was about 40 million hectares. During this period, approximately, 25,000 field trials have been conducted on more than 60 crops which include corn, tomato, potato, soybean, cotton, melon, canola, sugarbeet and tobacco. Important traits for which the crops have been genetically manipulated are herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, product quality and viral resistance. Other areas include fungal and agronomic priorities. The countries which have taken lead in developing transgenic crops are the United States of America, China and Canada.

    However, there is a legitimate public concern about the introduction of genetically modified crops and foods. But considering the urgency to enhance the food productivity and ensure nutritional quality, genetic engineering methods in producing transgenics with desired traits are assuming enormous significance.

    With a view to contain any possible risk to environment due to introduction of such life forms and products, the Ministry of Environment and Forests notified in 1989 Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Export, Import and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cell, which were enforced in 1993. Under these Rules, a three-tier evaluation and risk assessment mechanism has been provided. The rules provide for setting up of Institution specific Biosafety committee (IBSC) for monitoring institutional research on genetically engineered organisms/products. The recommendations of these committees are in the first instance examined by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) set up in the Department of Biotechnology. Further, the recommendations of RCGM are considered by the Genetic engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) for grant of necessary approval.

    The Government has taken several policy measures in the past 2-3 years for the growth and development of Steel Industry. Allocation for infrastructure development, housing, power and highways has been enhanced in the last two budgets. A National Campaign has been launched to increase the consumption of steel, particularly in Rural and Agro-based Industrial Sector. A Steel Exporters’ Forum has been constituted to boost export of steel and an Empowered Committee has been set up for Research and Development activities in steel sector. Besides an Institute for Steel Development and Growth for promotion of intensive usage of steel in construction sector has been established.

    Some of the other measures taken up to facilitate exports include full convertibility of exports earning at market rate of exchange; facility available to exporters to import their requirement of raw materials duty free under the Advance Licensing Scheme; refund of the duty paid on any imported or excisable material used in the manufacture of export goods; and rationalisation of duty credit rates under Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) Scheme on most of the iron and steel items to encourage export of iron and steel. India has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of HR coils from Ukraine and Russia to check cheap imports and enhanced Project financing to steel sector by All-India financial institutions. Exclusion of freight and handling charges for computation of Excise Duty on steel despatched from stockyards of integrated steel plants; reduction in duty on raw materials used in steel making; and fixation of floor prices for certain items of finished steel to restrict cheap imports are some other steps in this direction.

'6A'

    The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri B.N. Som, IPoS (64) as Secretary, Department of Posts. The ACC has also approved that additional charge of the post of Director General of Supplies & Disposal would be held by Shri S. B. Mohapatra, IAS (OR: 67), Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Department of Commerce on completion of tenure of Shri N. P. Singh, IAS (BH: 66) on 19.7.2000 till further orders.

'26'

    Alliance Air Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EGD was involved in an accident while coming in for landing at Patna on July 17, 2000.

'8'

    All the Regional Engineering Colleges (RECs) in the country will be developed into world class institutions like IITs and IIMs. The proposal to strengthen and restructure the RECs is being considered on the basis of the recommendations of the High Powered Review Committee. The RECs will be declared as deemed Universities with full academic autonomy to facilitate academic innovation, promote interaction with other institutions and industry. This was stated by the Human Resource Development Minster Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi while addressing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry here today. He said, the Governance of the RECs will be professionalised by inducting people from industry and profession. Financial support to these institutions will be increased by bringing them under the Block Grant System on the pattern of IITs and IIMs. Dr. Joshi said, the focus will be increased on Post Graduation Education and Information Technology Education.

    Income Tax Department today conducted searches at 84 premises of cricketers, bookies & sports administrators in different parts of the country. These raids conducted at Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Mumbai, Chandigarh & Hyderabad have resulted in seizure of incriminating documents. About 10 Bank lockers have been identified and located.

‘17A’

    Dr. Vallabh Bhai Katheria, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has said that the Government is in the midst of preparing a white paper on public sector enterprises, which will define the road map for future of these enterprises. One of the strategies identified for improving the performance includes formation of joint venture (JV) by induction of suitable partners capable of providing technical, financial and marketing inputs, Dr. Katheria informed. In this regard 25 public sector enterprises under the Department have been identified for this purpose and decisions are being taken on a case to case basis, he further said. Dr Kathiria was addressing the consultative committee meeting of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises here last evening. Shri Rizwan Jaheer Khan, Reshid Alvi, Shri Basudev Acharya, Shri Atma Ram Patel and Shri Dinshaw Patel (Lok Sabha members) were present in the meeting besides senior officials of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

'16'

    Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, released the crafts map of Tamil Nadu at a function organised by Dastkari Haat Samiti here today. On the occasion, Shri Kashiram Rana, Union Minister of Textiles, and Shri Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry also released the maps for the states of Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) respectively. Having started with the map of India, the Dastkari Haat Samiti has been creating artistic and informative craft maps of different parts of the country. The maps are extremely handy and useful for the craft lovers, exporters, tourists (both domestic and foreign), students at schools and colleges, travel agencies, hotels, designers and entrepreneurs. The maps give information of production and marketing areas so that all readers have direct access to a wide range of artisans and shopping outlets in each states. These are made on the basis of the information gathered through researchers who interact with artisans and various related agencies in each state and also the offices of the Development Commissioners of Handicrafts and Handloom and other agencies.

    The Samiti has already produced maps for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Orissa. In the coming year, it proposes to produce three more maps for Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and the seven states of the North Eastern region of India.

    This note reviews the trends in industrial production of six infrastructure industries namely, Electricity, Coal, Steel, Crude Petroleum, Petroleum Refinery Products and Cement which account for a total weight of 26.68% in the Index of Industrial Production.

Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, dated 20^th July, 2000

    The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. C.P. Thakur took a meeting with the Family Welfare Secretaries and Directors of the States of U.P., Bihar and Delhi here today to review the status of implementation of Pulse Polio Immunization Programme and Routine Immunization Programme in these States and to take stock of the efforts being planned during 2000-2001.

    While India has recorded a decline of 89% of virologically confirmed polio cases between 1998 and 1999, there has been only 22% decline in Bihar, 12% in U.P. whereas 55% increased in Delhi. During the current year till the end of June, Bihar has reported 30 cases, U.P. 41 cases and no virologically confirmed case has been detected in Delhi.

    In the context of the great success in polio eradication, in most parts of the country, it was felt that with additional measures in the States of U.P. and Bihar, polio transmission could cease during the winter of 2000-2001.

    Dr. C.P. Thakur reviewed the preparedness of these States and urged the States to maximize efforts during the current year by mobilization of all departments in the Government and involving the Panchayati Raj members, local opinion leaders, students and community at large so as to achieve the goal. Dr. Thakur assured all support to the State Governments.

    The Government is seriously looking into the issue of sustainable financing for the universalisation of elementary education. This was disclosed by the Minister for Human Resource Development Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi while addressing the National Conference on "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan", organised by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Adminstration, here today.

    Dr. Joshi said, the Tapas Majumdar Committee which went into the funding aspect of the Abhiyan pointed out that the programme will require sustained financing at a particular level for at least a decade. He said the finance involved is large but the government is optimistic of moving towards the target may be in a period longer than the committee suggested. Making larger allocation for a year or two is not a problem but the more serious issue to be considered is sustainability in funding the programme. Dr. Joshi said though the private investment in education will increase considerably contributing to improved quality, but there can be no argument for absolving the State of its responsibility of financing elementary education with pre-defined quality.

    Describing the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan as a new frame work and programme for universal elementary education with satisfactory quality, Dr. Joshi said it is aimed to be achieved by the year 2010. He said elementary schooling must sow the seed in every child to be an equal member of the value based knowledge society. It is called a Abhiyan as it is a crusade in a country where 70 per cent children participate in elementary schooling with 50 per cent dropout rate. The NDA government is committed to universal education for all children and it will be achieved Dr. Joshi averred.

    The Secretary, Elementary Education in the Ministry of HRD, Ms. Achala Maulik said,the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is a new approach to achieve education for all. As a management strategy it aims at convergence and synergy of schemes and efforts at all levels to achieve universal elementary education in a time bound manner. In the initial stage the focus is on 48 educationally most backward districts in the country, she said.