a biological diversity bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to protect the country's biological resources from foreigners while giving Indians free access to them. The biological resources covered by the bill include "plants, animals, and micro-organisms, or parts thereof, their genetic material and byproduct for actual or potential use or value, but do not include human or genetic material."
Under the bill, all foreign individuals, associations and organisations would be required to seek the prior approval of a National Biodiversity Authority to access any biological resource, or the results of research conducted in India, for any use.
The bill lays down that all Indian citizens would have to seek the prior approval of the authority if they want to transfer the results of research relating to any biological resource to foreigners. On the other hand, all Indians will have free access to biological resources for use within the country, for any purpose.
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