Sir, as already stated in the Bill, India had entered into an agreement in 2006 with UNESCO regarding the establishment of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education in India to serve the member countries of UNESCO. In the light of the agreement, the Central Government set up the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education in Faridabad, Haryana, through an executive order in 2009.
Now, this Bill seeks to provide legislative backing to the Regional Centre. It also confers upon it the status of an institution of national importance. Once it gets the recognition through this Bill as an institute of national importance, it would be empowered to impart scientific and technical education and also to grant degrees. It would also be able to facilitate transfer of technology and knowledge in the SAARC region and in Asia, and create a hub of biotechnology expertise and promote cooperation at the international level. I, on behalf of my Party, support this Bill.