NEW DELHHI: In an official move, the Indian Government has announced its intention to withdraw the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019, from the Lok Sabha.

The decision to withdraw the bill will be presented by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, during the lower house proceedings.

Originally introduced in July 2019, the bill was subsequently referred to a Parliamentary panel on science and technology, environment, forests, and climate change for thorough examination.

Headed by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh, the panel submitted its report to Parliament in February 2021, proposing several significant changes to the bill.

The primary aim of the bill was to regulate the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology for establishing the identity of certain individuals, including victims, offenders, suspects, undertrials, missing and unknown deceased persons, along with other related matters.

Addressing concerns over the potential misuse of DNA technology during investigations, the standing committee recommended specific measures for safeguarding against abuse.

After incorporating a series of amendments, the bill received clearance from the committee.

However, it is noteworthy that two members of the panel, namely CPI MP Binoy Viswam and Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM, expressed their apprehensions through a dissent note. They raised concerns about the possibility of DNA technology being misused to target specific segments of society based on factors such as religion, caste, or political views.

While acknowledging these concerns, the report emphasized that the need for such legislation remains essential, especially given the existing usage of DNA technology.

In parallel, Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, in the Lok Sabha, seeking its passage.

The bill was initially introduced during the Winter session in December of the previous year. It was later referred to the joint panel of Parliament, which presented its report during the budget session, ultimately clearing the bill.

Apart from amending the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002, the bill also proposes the establishment of a co-operative election authority responsible for conducting and supervising elections to the boards of multi-state co-operative societies.

Furthermore, it mandates multi-state co-operative societies to seek prior permission from government authorities before redeeming their shareholdings.

To support the revival of sick multi-state co-operative societies, a co-operative rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Development fund will be established. This fund will be financed through contributions from profitable multi-state co-operative societies.

Additionally, the bill allows state co-operative societies to merge with existing multi-state co-operative societies, subject to compliance with respective state laws.

Lastly, the Government will actively seek the passage of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, in the Lok Sabha.

This particular bill has sparked controversy as it seeks to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, with the primary aim of simplifying compliance requirements for domestic companies.

The proposed amendments also remove research and bio-survey activities from the purview of benefit-sharing requirements and further decriminalize all offences under the Act.

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