Lok Sabha had passed the bill in April this year.
The government through an executive order in April 2009 had established the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education at Faridabad. Now with approval from Parliament, the institute would be able give Masters and Phd degrees, just like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Harsh Vardhan today introduced the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016 in the Upper House and within half an hour, it was passed by voice vote.
"This centre will take up research and innovation as well as impart education and training in new areas of biotechnology at the interface of multiple disciplines of science creating a hub of technology expertise," Harsh Vardhan added.
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Harsh Vardhan said there is a mandate by Parliament on such institutions which will be followed.
To this some members from the BSP, Congress, DMK and TMC demanded that the Minister should clarify the government's stand on reservations on appointments on this issue.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien intervened and said that Harsh Vardhan has already said that the institution will be run as per the rules.
But the members demanded further clarification, to which the Minister said reservation policy will be followed as per the prescribed rules.
Derek O' Brien (TMC) claimed that the government and Congress are talking among themselves on various issues and other parties are being left out.
To this, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi quipped: "We are not doing anything chori chori chupke chupke (quietly).