Parliament has passed the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023, with the Rajya Sabah approving it today. The Lok Sabha has already passed the bill. The bill seeks to promote research on medicinal plants, encourage the production of plant-based medicines and benefit the local persons involved in use of forest produce. The Bill amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to simplify compliance requirements for domestic companies.
 
Replying to the discussion on the bill, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said, the bill will strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Mission LiFE and sustainable living. He said, it will greatly benefit the tribals and take India’s traditional medicinal knowledge to the world. Mr. Yadav said, the bill aims to simplify the patent application process and facilitate fast-tracking of patent applications.
 
Sultan Deo of BJD, Bhubaneshwar Kalita of BJP, G K Vasan of Tamil Maanila Congress (M), Ramji of BSP and Ayodhya Rami Reddy of YSRCP among others participated in the discussion.