Parliament of India Rajya Sabha

REPORT NO. 335

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FIFTH REPORT

Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/Observations contained in the three Hundred Twenty Seventh Report of the Department- related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change on the Demands for Grants (2020-21) of the Department of Biotechnology

(Presented to the Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on the 30th November, 2020) (Forwarded to the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha on the 30th November, 2020) (Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 4th February, 2021) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 4th February, 2021)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi November, 2020/ Agrahayana, 1942 (Saka)

Website: http://rajyasabha.nic.in Email: [email protected]

Hindi version of this publication is also available

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FIFTH REPORT

Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations/ Observations contained in the three Hundred Twenty Seventh Report of the Department- related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change on the Demands for Grants (2020-21) of the Department of Biotechnology

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi November, 2020/ Agrahayana, 1942 (Saka)

C O N T E N T S

PAGES 1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ………………………………… (i)-(ii)

2. INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………… (iii)

3. ACRONYMS ……………………………………………………………… (iv)-(v)

4. REPORT …………………………………………………………………... 1-11

Chapter I. Recommendations/Observations which have been accepted by the Government………………………………... 2-7

Chapter II. Recommendations/Observations which the Committee does not desire to pursue in view of the Government’s replies……………………………………………………….. 8-9

Chapter III. Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Government have not been accepted by the Committee…………………………………………… 10

Chapter IV. Recommendations/Observations in respect of which Final Replies of the Government are still awaited………….. 11

6. MINUTES ………………………………………………………………… 12-13

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (Constituted on 13th September, 2019)

1. Shri Jairam Ramesh -- Chairman

RAJYA SABHA 2. Shri Anil Baluni 3. Shri R.S. Bharathi 4. Shrimati Vandana Chavan 5. Shri Hishey Lachungpa 6. Shri Bhaskar Rao Nekkanti 7. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw 8. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma 9. Shri Binoy Viswam #10. Shri Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba

LOK SABHA 11. Shri Guharam Ajgalley 12. Shri Pradan Baruah 13. Shri E.T. Mohammed Basheer 14. Shri Jashvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor 15. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 16. Shri Rameshbhai Lavjibhai Dhaduk 17. Shri Anantkumar Hegde 18. Shrimati Jyotsna Charandas Mahant 19. Dr. Swami Sakshiji Maharaj 20. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi 21. Shri S.R. Parthiban 22. Dr. Ranjan Singh Rajkumar 23. Shri Kotha Prabhakar Reddy 24. Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy 25. Shrimati Satabdi Roy (Banerjee) 26. Shri Mahesh Sahoo 27. Shri Francisco Cosme Sardinha 28. Shri Anurag Sharma 29. Shri Ram Shiromani 30. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh 31. Dr. Ramapati Ram Tripathi ______

SECRETARIAT Smt. Sunita Sekaran, Joint Secretary Shri T. N. Pandey, Director Shri S. Rangarajan, Additional Director Shri Rajiv Saxena, Under Secretary Shri Harish Kumar, Committee Officer Shri Ankit Chansoria, Assistant Committee Officer ______#Nominated w.e.f. 22nd July, in lieu of Shri Parimal Nathwani who ceased to be a Member of the Committee on expiry of his term in Rajya Sabha w.e.f. 9th April, 2020. (i)

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (Constituted on 13th September, 2020)

1. Shri Jairam Ramesh - Chairman

RAJYA SABHA 2. Shri Anil Baluni 3. Shri R.S. Bharathi 4. Shrimati Vandana Chavan 5. Shri Hishey Lachungpa 6. Shri Parimal Nathwani 7. Shri Bhaskar Rao Nekkanti 8. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw 9. Shri Binoy Viswam @10. Vacant LOK SABHA 11. Shri Guharam Ajgalley 12. Shri Pradan Baruah 13. Shri E.T. Mohammed Basheer 14. Shri Jashvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor 15. Shri Sudarshan Bhagat 16. Shri Anantkumar Hegde 17. Shri S. Jagathrakshakan 18. Shri Mohammed Azam Khan 19. Shrimati Jyotsna Charandas Mahant 20. Dr. Swami Sakshiji Maharaj 21. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi 22. Dr. Ranjan Singh Rajkumar 23. Shri Kotha Prabhakar Reddy 24. Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy 25. Shrimati Satabdi Roy (Banerjee) 26. Shri Mahesh Sahoo 27. Shri Francisco Sardinha 28. Shri Anurag Sharma 29. Shri Ram Shiromani 30. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh 31. Dr. Ramapati Ram Tripathi ______

SECRETARIAT Smt. Sunita Sekaran, Joint Secretary Shri T.N. Pandey, Director Shri S. Rangarajan, Additional Director Shri Rajiv Saxena, Under Secretary Shri Harish Kumar, Committee Officer Shri Ankit Chansoria, Assistant Committee Officer ______@ Shri Ravi Prakash Verma ceased to be a member of the Committee on expiry of his term in Rajya Sabha on 25th November, 2020

(ii)

INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, having been authorised by the Committee to present the Report on its behalf, present this Three Hundred Thirty Fifth Report on Action Taken by the Government on the recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred Twenty Seventh Report of the Committee on Demands for Grants (2020-2021) of the Department of Biotechnology, which was presented/laid in both the Houses of Parliament on 6th March, 2020.

2. There were 19 recommendations/observations in the Three Hundred Twenty Seventh Report of the Committee. Action Taken Notes on the recommendations/observations of the Committee were received from the Department on 28th August, 2020. 3. In the meeting held on 10th September, 2020, the Committee considered the draft Report and adopted the same.

(JAIRAM RAMESH) NEW DELHI; Chairman, 10th September, 2020 Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Bhadrapada 19, 1942 (Saka) Science and Technol ogy, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Rajya Sabha.

(iii)

ACRONYMS

BE Budget Estimate

AcE Acceleration Entrepreneurs

BIONEST Bio Incubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies

BIRAC Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council

DBT Department of Biotechnology

LEAP Launching Entrepreneurs for Affordable Products

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

R&D Research and Development

RE Revised Estimates

S&T Science and Technology

SEED Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development

SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises

TB Tuberculosis

ATR Action Taken Report

ATN Action Taken Note

AI Artificial Intelligence

AMR Antimicrobial Resistance

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research

AYUSH Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy

MoPNG Ministry of Petroleum And Natural Gas

DST Department of Science and Technology

DPIIT Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade

DIPP Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion

IAN Indian Angel Network

HNI High Net worth Individual

VC Venture Capital (iv) SEBI Securities Exchange Board of India

CDSCO Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation

AIM Atal Innovation Mission

IP Intellectual Property

COVID Coronavirus Disease

(v) REPORT

The Action Taken Report (ATR) of the Committee deals with the action taken by the Government on the recommendations/observations contained in Three Hundred Twenty Seventh Report of the Committee on „Demands for Grants (2020-21) of the Department of Biotechnology‟. The Report was presented to Rajya Sabha and laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on the 6th March, 2020. 2. Action Taken Note (ATN) has been received from Department of Biotechnology in respect of all the nineteen recommendations/observations contained in the Three Hundred Twenty Seventh Report. This has been categorized as follows:- Chapter I: Recommendations/Observations which have been accepted by the Government: Para:- 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.5, 4.6, 5.3, 5.5, 6.3, 6.4, 7.5, 7.8, 8.4, 9.1 and 9.2. (TOTAL – 16) Chapter II: Recommendations/Observations which the Committee does not desire to pursue in view of the Government‟s replies: Para:- 4.7, 7.6 and 7.7. (TOTAL – 3) The Committee is convinced with the explanation furnished by the Department and, therefore, does not want to pursue above-mentioned recommendations further. Chapter III: Recommendations/Observations in respect of which replies of the Government have not been accepted by the Committee: Para:- (TOTAL - Nil) Chapter IV: Recommendations/Observations in respect of which final replies of the Government are still awaited:- Para:- (TOTAL- Nil) 3. The details of the ATR have been discussed in the respective Chapters in the succeeding pages.

CHAPTER-I

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT

BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020-21

Recommendation/Observation 1.1 The Committee takes note of the new initiatives envisioned by the Department and extends its full support to the Department in achieving its goals. The Committee also recommends that the Department should collaborate with the private sector, start-ups and young researchers/innovators in the implementation of its initiatives, especially for programmes on Artificial Intelligence, Image recognition, Bio-genome project and Data Centres. (Para 2.5)

Action Taken 1.2 The observations of the committee have been noted. Technology based solutions in area of Artificial Intelligence, Image recognition, and other cutting edge new areas are being supported by the Department and it's Public Sector Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and are being implemented by various scientific organizations involving academia, startups, entrepreneurs and industry. As regards the Biogeome and Data Centre, the purpose is to generate and share data which will be again for all researchers including public and private sector. SCHEMES OF THE DEPARTMENT BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Recommendation/Observation 1.3 The Committee notes that the B.E. 2020-21 allocation under this scheme is 20.12 percent higher than allocation at R.E. 2019-20. The Committee hopes that this increase in funds will be used judiciously and efficiently to carry out the new initiatives of the Department. (Para 3.2)

Action Taken 1.4 The view of the committee has been noted. The increase budget will be utilized judiciously and efficiently to cater the financial requirement of ongoing and new programs including the Mission Programmes covering all sectors of Health ,Agriculture ,Industrial and new initiatives on Genome India, Human Microbiome, establishment of Data Centre, Germ plasm characterisation ,clean energy, waste to value ,societal and Human Resource and infrastructure development. The focus will also be on public private partnership and the start up ecosystem. Recommendation/Observation 1.5 The Committee appreciates the GARBH-ini(interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research in BirtH outcomes- DBT India Initiative) initiative of the Department and hopes the Mission would be able to achieve its targets. The Committee recommends that the Department may integrate its efforts with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for seamless translation of academic research into products that can be used by the healthcare system. The Committee also recommends that a deep-dive be carried out into the reasons for genetic disorders, especially relating to environmental pollution and nutritional factors. This information may be utilised by other stakeholders, and relevant and timely preventive actions can be taken. (Para 3.3)

Action Taken 1.6 The programme in its second phase has the following specific objectives which can generate knowledge to design specific intervention studies with potential to be integrated into public health programmes of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/ other relevant ministries and government programmes: (i) Evaluating associations between micronutrients and adverse pregnancy outcomes; Changes in dietary patterns with fetal growth. (ii) The dose-response relationship between air pollution exposure & birth outcomes. 1.7 Possible Translation outcomes: Leveraging AI based applications for developing prediction models based on clinical & epidemiological factors. Recommendation/Observation 1.8 The Committee appreciates the Department’s vision for launching the Mission on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The Committee also recommends that a region-wise study be carried out and the most vulnerable population be identified so that the utilisation of funds can be targeted. The Committee expects the Department to engage start-ups, SMEs and individual researchers/innovators extensively in this programme, especially with respect to using modern techniques such as data analysis, artificial intelligence and risk modeling. (Para3.4) Action Taken 1.9 DBT in collaboration with BIRAC has announced a call as part of Mission on AMR for the development of drugs in the area of AMR and one proposal has been considered for funding where academia and industry are collaborating. In addition, BIRAC has given boost grant for three projects supported under NESTA discovery award for the development of affordable diagnostics towards AMR by involving start-ups. Under the Grand Challenges India ambit we have already launched GCI- AMR and Grand Challenges Exploration (GCE)-India call (in which AMR was one of the mandates). Besides academia, both these calls invited proposals from start-ups, SMEs, individual researchers and innovators. Further, in light of increasing prevalence of AMR, both these calls were focused on usage of modern techniques such as data analysis, artificial intelligence and risk modeling to combat the spread. Grand Challenges India is currently supporting 21 innovators in projects related to AMR across these 2 programs, including start-ups and academics in areas related to data analytics, diagnostics among others. Recommendation/Observation 1.10 The Committee, recommends the Department to collaborate its efforts with those of other stakeholder Ministries/Departments and dovetail funds across different Ministries/Departments under similar missions. (Para 3.5) Action Taken 1.11 The Department has MoUs with different Departments/Ministries such as ICAR, AYUSH,DST, MoPNG ,DIPP etc for the mission programs viz. clean energy mission, phyto-pharmaceuticals mission, germplasm, characterization, start-up India / Make in India etc. for Inter-ministerial activities.

INDUSTRIAL & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT Recommendation/Observation 1.12 The Committee recommends that since a major focus of this scheme is to nurture entrepreneurship and propel industrial development, the Department should raise private investment from industry stakeholders to augment its financial resources. This would also result in a more

3 integrated approach and translate into better academia-industry collaboration. (Para 4.5)

Action Taken 1.13 BIRAC has launched a new initiative – BioAngels Network with IAN. This is to mobilize private equity investment in biotech startups from Angels, VCs, HNIs, others. In 3 years, 145 startups are expected to receive private funding under this initiative. In order to develop deep engagement with research at Universities and industry partnership for early translation, the Department is now poised to expand biocluster program further by establishing University Research Joint Industry Translation Clusters (URJIT) across the country in collaboration with industries and academia. 1.14 To increase the Private investment from industry stakeholders the Department launched Biotechnology Innovation Fund (Biotech AcE Fund) in year 2017. AcE is a fund of funds scheme being implemented by BIRAC under this initiatives Biotech sector is receiving access to private funding from venture capitalists (SEBI registers, alternative investment funds (AIF)). i.e. 2 times of contribution of BIRAC to the fund. Recommendation/Observation 1.15 The Committee notes the achievements of the Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women established at Chennai, which presently has close to 400 women entrepreneurs and technocrats and houses more than 13 companies towards translating research into products and services for the rural areas. The Committee recommends the Department to expand the outreach of these products and technologies, with the help of other stakeholder Ministries/Departments along with NGOs working in the rural sector involving women self-help groups. (Para4.6) Action Taken 1.16 The recommendations have been noted and concerted efforts are being made in this direction. The Department has already set up 11 Regional Technology Centre in Aspirational Districts and under this scheme the efforts are being made to engage all stakeholders including NGO and self help. Further, the program is being expanded to other Aspirational Districts of the county. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING Recommendation/Observation 1.17 The Committee notes that the number of patents applied for and the number of manpower trained has decreased. The Committee, recommends the Department to further align the targets of the initiatives under the Human Resources and Capacity Development scheme with the larger R&D outcomes such as patents applied and granted, research papers published and technologies commercialised. (Para 5.3) Action Taken 1.18 The concerned of the committee has been noted and the Department is mapping patent filed and granted as one of the targets under the Human Resource and Capacity Development Scheme program alongwith the indicators viz publications, manpower trained etc. There is also an effort through the Technology Transfer offices set up to not only map Patents and technology transfers but proactively work with Research institutes to facilitate the generation of new IP and also commercialise the same. Recommendation/Observation 1.19 The Committee recommends that the Department should take upthe issue of tax exemption on R&D, issue of over-regulation in clinical trials and exemptions on the funds spent on acquiring patents with the Ministry/Department concerned. (Para 5.5)

Action Taken 1.20 The recommendations of the committee have been noted. The Department has already taken up indentified issues with Ministry of Finance, CDSCO, DIPP and other Ministries regarding reforms for streamlining these activities and providing enabling policy. NATIONAL BIOPHARMA MISSION Recommendation/Observation 1.21 The Committee acknowledges the efforts put by the Department towards the National Biopharma mission. The Committee is happy to note that the allocation towards this Mission for B.E. 2020-21 has been increased to Rs.300 crore. This Committee feels that this budgetary allocation would be sufficient to achieve the planned targets of the Department under this Mission. (Para 6.3) Action Taken 1.22 The Department gratefully acknowledges appreciation from the committee. The allocation towards National Biopharma Mission for FY 2020-21 is Rs. 300.00 Crores. The budgetary allocation was made taking into consideration the calls issued for extending support to fast track the development of Diagnostics, Vaccines, Novel Therapeutics, Repurposing of Drugs or any other intervention for control of COVID-19 by Industry/Academia/ Industry-Academia participation. Recommendation/Observation 1.23 The Committee commends the efforts put by the Department under this Mission with regard to development of vaccines for dengue, cholera, universal flu and pneumococcal vaccine. The Committee acknowledges the efforts of the Department in developing bio-similars for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. The Committee hopes that with the efforts of the Department towards developing low cost technologies for diagnosis and cheaper and effective bio-therapeutics including pharmaceutical drugs and implants, the cost of medical care will come down in the near future. The Committee, therefore, extends its full support to the Department towards actualisation of its targets. (Para 6.4) Action Taken 1.24 The Department gratefully acknowledges the appreciations from the committee. Under the National Biopharma Mission it is envisaged to deliver affordable healthcare products relevant to the Indian public health scenario. The Mission has made continuous concerted efforts towards realizing this objective. The Mission is currently supporting 9 vaccine candidates that are under different stages of development, 12 biosimilar products and 3 biosimilar clones relevant to disease burdens for India and additionally 7 technologies in the areas of medical devices and diagnostics for various disease areas. The Department of Biotechnology through implementation of National Biopharma Mission is committed to improve health standards of India‟s population through development of affordable products. ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT Recommendation/Observation 1.25 The Committee notes the increase in the number of bio-incubators established as compared to the year 2018-19. During the last five years, BIRAC has established a total of 47 bio-incubators across the country. The Committee notes that the Department is slightly behind its own target of establishing a total of 50 bio-incubators by the year 2019-20. The Committee recommends the Department to take measures to achieve its target. (Para 7.5)

Action Taken 1.26 The target of setting up of 50 Bioincubators under BIRAC BioNEST scheme was achieved as of March 2020 with a total of 5,48,719 sq ft incubation space. Recommendation/Observation 1.27 The Department had set the target for the year 2019-20 at getting 25 projects funded from partnered funding sources, i.e. other than BIRAC/DBT. Till 31.01.2020, the Department has funded only 16 projects. It seems highly unlikely that the Department would be able to achieve its target of 25 projects by the end of the financial year 2019-20. The Committee recommends necessary corrective action to avoid this in the future. (Para 7.8)

Action Taken 1.28 BIRAC achieved its target in 2019-20 and 27 Startups received Partnered funding in FY 19-20. AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS Recommendation/Observation 1.29 The Committee acknowledges the flagship initiatives, achievements and proposed activities undertaken by the autonomous institutions of the Department. The Committee, however, requires the Department to furnish complete details like budgetary assistance provided, funds allocated and funds utilised for each of the institutions under the jurisdiction of the Department in its ‘Background Note’ submitted to the Committee in the future. The Committee is of the firm opinion that the Department should be more vigilant while submitting the information for the consideration of the Committee. (Para 8.4) Action Taken 1.30 The directions of the committee have been noted. NEW INITIATIVES AND PROPOSED ACTIVITIES DURING 2020-21 Recommendation/Observation 1.31 The Committee notes the new initiatives and proposed activities of the Department for the year 2020-21 which includes improving livestock breed using cattle genomics, development of Marine Bio- resources, development of Phyto pharmaceuticals for the treatment of Diabetes, development of biosensors for identifying pollutants. The Committee appreciates the vision of the Department with respect to healthcare and medical biotechnology with its focus on developing antibodies against diseases relevant to India, research on stem cell therapy and nano-biotechnology, development of cost- effective new drugs against TB, Cardio Vascular Diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and cancer. The Committee also notes and appreciates the efforts of the Department under the GenomeIndia programme. The Committee also notes the contributions of the Department in societal development, especially with respect to initiatives on agriculture, waste management and clean energy. (Para 9.1) Action Taken 1.32 The Department gratefully acknowledge the appreciation of the Committee. It would continue to put concerted efforts to accomplish targets proposed for activities including improving livestock breed using cattle genomics, development of Marine Bio-resources, development of Phyto pharmaceuticals for the treatment of Diabetes, development of biosensors for identifying pollutants. Further, there will have special focus on development of affordable healthcare products and implementation of genome India program. In the area of Agriculture, Environment and Clean Energy the focus will be on mission program on “minor oil seeds of India origin” and on „Characterization of 6 genetic resources in various crops‟. The demonstration plants to implement clean technology with local stakeholders will be established. Under societal the Department has already set up 11 Regional Technology Centre in Aspirational Districts and under this scheme the efforts are being made to engage all stakeholders including NGO and self help group. Recommendation/Observation 1.33 The Committee recommends the Department to increase its outreach and market its products and services through innovative methods including digital media. The Department can engage with entrepreneurs and young researchers in charting out a road map with specific outreach targets. This will also benefit the Department by giving spin-offs in efficient funds utilisation and identification of sources for external funds generation. (Para 9.2)

Action Taken 1.34 The Department and BIRAC have increased outreach activities. This has helped in increasing number of startups getting partnered funding. The Department organized Global Bio-India 2019 in November 2019.This was the first such event organised in India to showcase the strength of the country in Biotechnology and also provide opportunity to the researchers, Industry, start ups to build national and International collaborations. It was attended by 2500+ delegates representing 20+ countries including industry, investors, startups, entrepreneurs and young researchers.

CHAPTER – II

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS WHICH THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT DESIRE TO PURSUE IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S REPLY

SCHEMES OF THE DEPARTMENT INDUSTRIAL & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT Recommendation/Observation 2.1 The Committee notes that the five bio-technology parks mentioned above have been able to incubate only 62 start-ups over the last 2 years, out of which only 37 have graduated. The Committee notes the limited progress and therefore, recommends that the Department should enhance its outreach activities with schools, colleges and universities in attracting more start-ups. The Committee also recommends that the Department should collaborate with other incubation and start-up mentorship programmes of the government as well as the private sector thereby benefitting a larger base of entrepreneurs. (Para 4.7)

Action Taken 2.2 The Department partnered with various State Governments to promote equitable opportunities in biotechnology sector and help to translate research into products and services by providing necessary infrastructure support. The DBT has modified the scheme for establishment of parks and had announced the „National Biotechnology park scheme‟ wherein a private sector should partner with State governments for support by DBT. The Department is working with various States for establishment of new parks for anchoring the entrepreneurship facilitation in States, thereby benefitting a larger base of entrepreneurs. In addition the Parks are closely aligned with the Bioincubators set up by BIRAC. ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT Recommendation/Observation 2.3 The Committee applauds the efforts of BIRAC in promoting entrepreneurship and creating a nurturing start-up ecosystem. The Committee highlights the fact that BIRAC is a Section-8 company and therefore, it is well received by the private investors and industry. The equity-holding model of BIRAC has proven to be successful and the Committee acknowledges that better management has led to efficient and optimal utilisation of funds, thereby creating on-ground impact. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Department to analyse the possibility of creating more such Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for its other Missions and replicate the success story. The Committee also recommends that the Department may share its knowledge, experience and best practices of managing SPVs such as BIRAC with other scientific Ministries/Departments in order to encourage them to adopt this method. (Para 7.6) Action Taken 2.4 The recommendation of the committee has been noted and the Department and BIRAC are closely working with DPIIT, other agencies including AIM, DST, Agni, Startup India, Invest India on programs related to startup ecosystem and promotion and nurturing of Entrepreneurship. The Department is implementing key missions through Programme Management Units which function with very specific Programme Management objectives.

Recommendation/Observation 2.5 The Committee notes that under the SEED Fund (Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Fund) initiative, 40 start-ups have received BIRAC SEED fund so far. The Committee observes that under this initiative each start-up receives funding of upto Rs.30 lakhs. Hence, the maximum expenditure that the Department may have incurred is Rs.12 crore which is less than half of the fund, i.e. Rs.30 crore, committed by the Department under this initiative. The Committee expresses its dissatisfaction over this sub-optimal utilisation of funds. The Committee also expresses its displeasure over the low numbers of start-ups that have benefitted under this initiative. The Committee recommends that the Department should take necessary steps in reaching out to more number of startups and budding entrepreneurs/researchers thereby increasing the number of beneficiaries under this initiative. (Para7.7) Action Taken 2.6 BIRAC has supported 45 Startups who have received SEED fund (upto Rs 30 lakhs/startup). 13 Starts have received LEAP fund – a new initiative to meet higher corpus requirement of startups upto 1 Cr/Startup. 2.14 Equity investment is specialized and an advanced funding instrument. It is essential but not every incubator is trained to handle equity. With continuous handholding from BIRAC, more incubators are now able to operate and implement. Now, we have 16 SEED fund partners and 6 LEAP fund partners. Therefore, more startups are likely to get benefitted. In addition there is an AcE fund which is a Fund of Fund alongwith Private investors.

CHAPTER – III

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH REPLIES OF THE GOVERNMENT HAVE NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE COMMITTEE

-Nil-

CHAPTER – IV

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH FINAL REPLIES OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE STILL AWAITED

-Nil-

______

MINUTES ______

XVI SIXTEENTH MEETING The Committee met at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, the 10th September, 2020 in Committee Room „A‟, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

MEMBERS PRESENT 1. Shri Jairam Ramesh - Chairman RAJYA SABHA 2. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw 3. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma LOK SABHA 4. Dr. Swami Sakshiji Maharaj 5. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi 6. Dr. Ranjan Singh Rajkumar 7. Smt. Satabdi Roy (Banerjee) 8. Shri Ram Shiromani 9. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh 10. Dr. Ramapati Ram Tripathi SECRETARIAT Smt. Sunita Sekaran, Joint Secretary Shri T.N. Pandey, Director Shri S. Rangarajan, Additional Director Shri Rajiv Saxena, Under Secretary Shri Harish Kumar, Committee Officer * * * * * * * * * 2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members to the meeting of the Committee. The Committee first decided to take up the consideration and adoption of the draft 333rd, 334th, 335th, 336th, 337th , 338th and 339th reports of the Committee on Action Taken by the Government on the recommendations/observations of the Committee contained in reports of the Committee on Demands for Grants (2020-21) of the Ministries/Departments of Earth Sciences; Atomic Energy; Biotechnology; Scientific & Industrial Research; Science & Technology; Space; and Environment, Forest and Climate Change respectively. The Committee, then, considered the draft 333rd to 339th reports and adopted the same. 3. * * * 4. * * * 5. * * * 6. A verbatim record of the proceedings was kept. 7. The meeting of the Committee adjourned at 12:25 p.m. ______***Relate to other matters. 13