Lok Sabha Debates
Problems Being Faced By Research Personnel And Staff Due To Reported Decision By ... on 25 February, 2009
> Title: Problems being faced by research personnel and staff due to reported decision by the Union Government in respect of Central Drug Research Laboratory.
DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME (BIRBHUM): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I would like to raise an important issue. The Central Food Laboratory, Kolkata and a few other such offices were established under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. This lab functions in a noble area, to protect people from adulterated and contaminated items of food and other edible articles used for human consumption. The samples of food are collected, tested and analyzed in the CFL, to be declared fit and suitable for consumption. The offenders are liable to be prosecuted under relevant Acts of Criminal Procedure.
But in contravention of those provisions, this Government has recently enacted a new law, that is, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Under this Act, the provisions are grossly liberalized. The worry and the anxiety of the people are that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has been promulgated to pave the way for entry of private sector in the field of food safety. [p27] 13.00 hrs MR. SPEAKER: That is why I have allowed him to speak with my best wishes. He is contesting elections from my constituency.
DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME : It is apprehended that the provisions of the Act may be utilised by the unscrupulous players in the fields of food production, manufacture and trading. The offenders are not liable to be prosecuted by the criminal law. Instead, they will be prosecuted by the civil law.
The CFL Kolkata should continue to discharge its responsibilities by being retained in the Government sector that is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. And also, CFL should continue to act as a trial court. Its position should not be disturbed.
I also urge upon the Government not to transfer the staff and employees of this laboratory without finalising the terms and conditions of service in consultation with the staff there.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Sir, … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: The intervention being made by the hon. Member should not go on record.
(Interruptions) … * MR. SPEAKER: Shri Acharia, he has very ably raised it. Why are you diluting his importance?
… (Interruptions)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Sir, the Minister is here.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Mr. Minister, you understand the seriousness of the matter. The Leader of the Party has also agreed. You do not have to respond.