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CEE Coordination Team: Mr. Atul Pandya/Mr. Ramesh Savalia, CEE, Ahmedabad The Ministry of Environment and Forests, has received strong views both in favour and against commercialization of Bt brinjal in India, from the various stakeholders, including the State Governments, farmers, civil societies, NGOs and scientists. Hence the Ministry has decided to hold national consultations with the various stakeholders before a final view on the commercialization of Bt brinjal is taken. CEE’s Role: Within this context, Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI has commissioned Centre for Environment Education (CEE) to undertake public consultations across the country. The Minister of State (MoS), MoEF, Mr. Jairam Ramesh will Chair the consultations at all 7 locations. The main objectives of the consultation will be:
Consultation process: National consultation will provide a space for discussions and networking across the board for the multiple stakeholders in Bt Brinjal. These will be held in significant locations across the nation for a more large scale discussion. These will provide space for discussion among the smaller and lesser voiced debates. It will also open a dialogue on the Bt. Brinjal. The consultations allow for a more regional level interaction towards a more holistic understanding. The one day consultations will happen in 7 locations across the country. These public consultations will be attended by assorted stakeholders who will represent distinctive alliances. They will be invited prior to the consultation to participate in the discussion on Bt Brinjal within the framework of their own vocations. The consultations will be conducted in the local languages, additionally Hindi and English dependant on the participants comfort. This is to ensure maximum participation from all stakeholders. Each consultation will invite 250 participants from various communities like farming community, scientists, agriculture experts, farmer organizations, consumer groups, citizens forums, NGOs/CBOs, Government officials, media, seed suppliers, traders, doctors, lawyers, etc. The public consultations would serve as a platform for ‘voices of the public' being considered by policy makers and at the same time enable the intricacies of the local issues and concerns relevant to Bt. brinjal to be known by one and all. These consultations will be consulted in democratic, transparent, objective and scientific manner. The public consultations in your region therefore assume much significance and your participation and views much valuable. |