Synopsis
The 32-member Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, headed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, tabled its report before Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has raised concerns over building a national database of crime scene DNA profiles as proposed under a new bill, saying it will include virtually everyone as DNA is left at such spots before and after the incident by several people who may have nothing to do with the case.
The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2019, seeks to establish a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data banks to store and maintain the DNA profiles in accordance with the provisions relating to the use and access to information, its retention and expunction.
Panel suggests measures to guard against abuse of DNA technology in investigation
February 03, 2021
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh - THE HINDU×
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, headed by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, cleared the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill while suggesting a a number of amendments.
Ramesh, a former Union Environment Minister, urged the Centre to modify the Bill by incorporating the suggestions of the committee. The Bill envisages the use of DNA technology to substantially minimise errors in the criminal investigation and prosecution system.
Two members, CPI MP Benoy Vishwam and Asadudin Owaisi of AIMIM, submitted a dissent note to the panel expressing concern on the possible abuse of DNA technology to target different segments of the society based on factors like religion, caste or political views. “These fears are not entirely unfounded and have to be recognised and addressed by the Government and by the P
Collection of DNA samples will lead to misuse, says former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur
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Justice Lokur makes a written submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on S&T.
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Justice Lokur makes a written submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on S&T.
Allowing investigating agencies to collect DNA samples from “suspects” as laid down in the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019, will give them “unbridled power that is easily capable of misuse and abuse” and amount to a “threat to the life, liberty, dignity and privacy of a person” retired Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur has observed in a written submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology.
A parliamentary panel has raised concerns over building a national database of crime scene DNA profiles as proposed under a new bill, saying it will include virtually everyone as DNA is left at such spots before and after the incident by several people who may have nothing to do with the case. The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill, 2019, seeks to establish a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data banks to store and maintain the DNA profiles in accordance with the provisions relating to the use and access to information, its retention and expunction. The 32-member Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, headed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, tabled its report before Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
In western Himalayas, tree-planting programmes threaten the livelihoods of pastoralists
Most varieties of trees planted by the forest department in the last 40 years have been unpalatable to livestock, say researchers. Jan 23, 2021 · 09:30 pm Plantations have made Gaddi livelihoods more vulnerable because the land is enclosed and their access routes blocked. | Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Large scale tree planting is being promoted worldwide to mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase forest cover. However, afforestation projects can displace pastoralists and threaten their livelihoods. The disappearance of pastoralists and their animals can also lead to further degradation and environmental damage in these areas.