New Delhi, November 10 (IANS). Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Monday that India is moving towards cooperation in the fields of biotechnology, medical research, agriculture and data-driven science.
Speaking at the second foundation day ceremony of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “BRIC is not only partnering with other science departments but is also increasing collaboration with IITs, medical institutions and private industries to promote innovation.”
The Union Minister said that India is among the few countries which has an exclusive dedicated biotechnology policy BIOE3. He appreciated the emergence of the Department of Biotechnology as one of the most dynamic and integrated scientific ecosystems of the Government of India.
Apart from this, Union Minister Singh also launched the BRIC-BIRAC EIR Programme. He said that under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, 14
The decision to merge autonomous biotechnology institutes under a single umbrella – BRIC – was a transformative reform.
Regarding DBT and BARC institutions, the Union Minister said that Indian biotech startups are registering their contribution in the country’s GDP with the help of government schemes and bio-economy mission.
According to the Union Minister, the next phase of global economic development will be driven by biotechnology, where India will be in the role of a leader and not a follower.
He said, “India’s bioeconomy is growing rapidly from $10 billion to $130 billion. With this, it is expected to reach $300 billion in the coming years.”
Union Minister Singh described BRIC and BIRAC as excellent examples of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He said that BRIC and BIRAC have also become standards in the global forum.
Highlighting India’s progress in translational research, he gave information about the establishment of advanced biosafety facility, success in hemophilia gene therapy and India’s rising global ranking in biotechnology.
–IANS
SKT/
