Govt not against science but sensitive issues to be handled carefully: Javadekar

Dropping hints that free trials of genetically modified (GM) crops can be given a go-ahead, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar has said the government is not against science, but it is only treading carefully on sensitive issues.

“We are not saying no to science. We have to take proper caution and proper action,” said Javadekar during the launch of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report here on Wednesday. However, when asked if the decision on GM trials has been put on hold, he refused to comment any further.

This comes a week after the Centre had reportedly put the field trials of GM crops on hold following pressure from two pro-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) outfits — Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), which had opposed the move. Javadekar said a country that does not believe in science lags behind and the government “will not leave the path of science”.

The National Democratic Alliance government (NDA) had come under immense pressure from the RSS after it had given nod to field trials of 13 GM crops, including mustard, cotton, brinjal, rice and chick pea.

This led to the RSS bodies’ intervention and representatives from SJM and BKS met Javadekar last Tuesday and they were given the assurance that the decision would be put on hold.