It’s time to implement the Biotech Policy of Assam
Fulfilling a long-felt need of the State and gratifying the expectations of the scientific fraternity, the Government of Assam adopted the Biotech Policy for the State of Assam 2018-22 in the year 2017 and the same was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at the Assam Biotech Conclave organized by Guwahati Biotech Park on 5th January, 2017. The declared vision of the policy is “to attain high capability in biotechnology education, research and commercialization and utilizing biotechnology to build up a sustainable industry ecosystem for creation of wealth, income generation, employment generation and promotion of equity.” The seven objectives laid down in the policy document include creation of a vibrant ecosystem conducive for development of the sector, creation of infrastructure for education and research, generation of employment, encouraging biotech-based industries, etc. It was indeed a very welcome step initiated by the State Govt. considering the immense potential the State has for development of the biotech sector in view of the vast resources it possesses in terms of rich biodiversity including its diverse plant, animal and microbial resources.
One of the priorities of the Govt. as stated in the Policy is developing academic and research infrastructure facilities, for which it envisaged “setting up of laboratory facilities primarily in colleges and universities for human resource development and capacity building.” The Policy also states that “The state will provide fund for creation of biotechnology department in colleges and universities as well as intensify program support to biotechnology departments in the institutions.” It also envisaged providing financial assistance to colleges and universities for developing academic infrastructure, and for training and capacity building to a maximum of ten institutions per annum.
For effective implementation of the initiatives declared in the policy, there is a proposal of creation of a North East Vision Group on Biotechnology in order to “lead and drive the Biotechnology Sector of Assam by leveraging the bioresources of the State.” In addition to this, the policy also declares that, “The State Government proposes to create a fund called the ‘Assam Biotechnology Industrial Support Fund’ for providing incentives to units coming up under this policy.” It was also envisaged setting up of the Assam Biotechnology Council (ABTC) for facilitating rapid and assured implementation of Biotechnology policy. The Council will process and disburse all incentives under the policy. It also stated that “There shall be an Apex Committee to monitor the functioning of the Assam Biotechnology Council and to provide necessary approvals.”
Declaration and launching of the Biotech Policy in 2017 received wide appreciation from the public at large and the scientific fraternity of the State in particular. It was hoped that implementation of the policy statements would not only create the conducive environment for growth and development of biotech-based industries in the state but also create much-needed avenues for employment of the ever-growing pool of educated unemployed youths having the required knowledge and skill in biotechnology and allied disciplines. However, it is really a matter of great concern that even the initial step for creation of ABTC and the Apex Committee is yet to be taken by State Govt., although more than two years have passed by after the adoption of the policy.
It is, therefore, high time that the State Govt. takes immediate initiatives to implement its own declared policy in letter and spirit in the greater interest of the state.
