Government Refuses Permission To BT Brinjal

Announcing a cautious approach of the government, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said there was "no clear consensus" among the scientists and stake-holders on giving permission to Bt Brinjal and more studies needed to be conducted.

"There is no over-riding urgency to introduce it... When the public sentiments have been negative, it is my duty to adopt a cautious, precautionary and principle-based approach," he told a hurriedly-called press conference which was originally scheduled for tomorrow.

"I will not impose a decision till such time independent scientific studies establish safety of the product from long-term view of human health," Ramesh said.

For more information on the battle against BT brinjal visit: http://www.greenpeace.org/india/

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