New Delhi, February 26 Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, saying the "Master of Acronyms" now talks about BioE3, but like much of what he claims credit for, the essential foundations of recent successes in biotechnology are due to the groundwork laid by his predecessors.
Ramesh recalled that exactly 40 years ago today, at the initiative of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, a full-fledged Union Department of Biotechnology was established.
"India was among the first countries to do so. He appointed Dr. S. Ramachandran as its first Secretary. Dr. Ramachandran shaped, guided, and led the Department of Biotechnology for seven years, and was followed by other distinguished scientists," Ramesh said on X.
"His particular focus was building and expanding the base of vaccine production in the country. It was during its first three decades that the Department established the extensive infrastructure for biotech education, research, and development," he said.
In early 2012, when Manmohan Singh was the prime minister, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) was set up to advance the biotech innovation ecosystem – which it has done very well, Ramesh pointed out.
"The 'Master of Acronyms' now talks much about BioE3 – Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. Like much of what he claims credit for, the essential foundations of recent successes are due to the groundwork laid without much fanfare and self-promotion by his predecessors," Ramesh said.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Modi, approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy on August 24, 2024.
The BioE3 policy formulated by the Department of Biotechnology creates a convergence between biotechnology, engineering, and digitalization to build a more equitable and sustainable future through bio-manufacturing.
The BioE3 policy envisages a green, clean, prosperous, and self-reliant India making giant strides towards Viksit Bharat 2047, according to an official statement by the government.