Now that Agriculture and Science ministers are batting for BT Brinjal, we can expect it to be cleared for cultivation in an year or so But let us take a look at handling of the issue.
BT Brinjal
First when the question came up, the GOI (rather the GEAC – Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee) formed a committee to study and recommend on the subject.
This committee submitted a report in 2007 broadly recommending further study. Accordingly IIVR (Indian Institute of Vegetable Research) conducted studies and field trials from 2007 to 2009 and submitted its report. GEAC formed another committee to study this report and this 2nd committee recommended the introduction of BT Brinjal in Oct’09.
GEAC, however left it to the GOI for the final decision. The Environment Minister called for public debates, which were good fun to watch (not so much for the minister, though) and has at present issued a moratorium on commercial BT Brinjal cultivation, pending further studies. GEAC is not amused but the politicians seem to be happy about it.
Telengana
Contrast this with the way the ‘T’elengana issue was handled. When the issue intensified in Nov 2009, the GOI nodded its head for the formation of Telengana
When protests broke out for a Unified AP and against splitting up of the state, the Centre backtracked, igniting protests, disruption of rail and road traffic and strikes by Telengana activists.
A Five member committee was formed and was promptly protested by Telengana activists including self-immolation by a student because of its terms of reference.
One vs. Other
Contrast this with the way the BT was handled. It was committees first, public debate / action next and then the GOI decision So after a lot of hungama, the nation is at rest.
In the Telengana issue, it went topsy-turvy from the start. It started with public action, a wishy-washy GOI nod for second and a committee next and we have not heard the last.
Oh what a mess!
:-/
BT Brinjal
First when the question came up, the GOI (rather the GEAC – Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee) formed a committee to study and recommend on the subject.
This committee submitted a report in 2007 broadly recommending further study. Accordingly IIVR (Indian Institute of Vegetable Research) conducted studies and field trials from 2007 to 2009 and submitted its report. GEAC formed another committee to study this report and this 2nd committee recommended the introduction of BT Brinjal in Oct’09.
GEAC, however left it to the GOI for the final decision. The Environment Minister called for public debates, which were good fun to watch (not so much for the minister, though) and has at present issued a moratorium on commercial BT Brinjal cultivation, pending further studies. GEAC is not amused but the politicians seem to be happy about it.
Telengana
Contrast this with the way the ‘T’elengana issue was handled. When the issue intensified in Nov 2009, the GOI nodded its head for the formation of Telengana
When protests broke out for a Unified AP and against splitting up of the state, the Centre backtracked, igniting protests, disruption of rail and road traffic and strikes by Telengana activists.
A Five member committee was formed and was promptly protested by Telengana activists including self-immolation by a student because of its terms of reference.
One vs. Other
Contrast this with the way the BT was handled. It was committees first, public debate / action next and then the GOI decision So after a lot of hungama, the nation is at rest.
In the Telengana issue, it went topsy-turvy from the start. It started with public action, a wishy-washy GOI nod for second and a committee next and we have not heard the last.
Oh what a mess!
:-/
(image courtesy Surendran / The Hindu)
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