Ficci calls for streamlining of biotech courses

Common curriculum for biotechnology at all universities across the country, inclusion of livestock in the draft strategy for biotechnology and removal of regulatory hurdles are some of the recommendations made at the National Consultation on Draft National Biotech Development Strategy, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) here today.

"Human resources is a major problem in the biotechnology sector today. In this regard, creation of a National Task Force to formulate model undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in life sciences keeping in view the future needs, is commendable," Krishna M Ella, chairman, Ficci-Biotech committee said, adding that streamlining of all such courses is essential in this regard.

"A proposal is also being discussed to provide a one-year fellowship to scientists abroad so that they may work in academic or research institutes in India," he added.

Syed E Hasnain, director, CDFD, said the Small Business Innovation Research Institute (SBIRI) scheme is an innovative step towards providing financial support to small companies.

"In Phase I, SBIRI will provide financial support of up to Rs 50 lakh for new concepts, with 50 per cent being in the form of grant and the remaining being in the form of interest-free loans. In Phase II, the scheme will provide soft loans at two per cent interest rate for further development and commercialisation of the product," he added.

Some doubts were, however, raised by the participants regarding the eligibility criteria for financial assistance through this scheme.

On issues raised by the participants on the regulatory mechanism, Hasnain said that the National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority that is being proposed will do away with the multi-level regulatory systems.

A Ashok, director of biotechnology, government of Andhra Pradesh, suggested that reverse brain drain should be encouraged and a framework should be created to develop human resources and infrastructure in tier II cities. "We, at the state level, will also be updating our biotech policy soon," he added.

Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, chief executive officer, ICICI Knowledge Park proposed setting up of technology transfer cells in biotech parks.

"A national policy framework for technology transfer and licensing is also required to eliminate uncertainty for licencees, start-ups and innovators," she added.

Participants also pointed out to the exclusion of livestock in the draft strategy for biotechnology.