Govt launches single-window system for animal trials

The Environment Ministry today launched a single-window system for online registration by institutions looking to carry out clinical trials on animals.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar while inaugurating the website said that it marks yet another step in bringing about greater transparency and institutions will no longer have to visit government offices repeatedly for registration or renewal of permission.
On the occasion of World Laboratory Animal Day today, the website was launched under the Committee for Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), which prescribes guidelines and procedures for animal experimentation.
"One of the benefits of the website is that people will not have to come to offices repeatedly. We have started online submission of environment, forest, zoo and wildlife approvals and this was the only one left. This will also help in bringing transparency," Javadekar said.

The minister, meanwhile, added that efforts should be made to minimise the use of animals in experiments. There is a protocol for user agencies which entails minimum use of animals for experimentation, he added.
"This reflects a growing sensitivity for ensuring that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering at any stage of an experiment," he said.

He also said that the stipulation seeking renewal of Animal House Facility every three years by user agencies needs to be revisited.
CPCSEA Chairperson Hem Pande said that the government is celebrating World Laboratory Animals Day to acknowledge the contribution of animals in the field of research and education.

He also highlighted the various constitutional provisions emphasising the need for compassion to living creatures.
Officials said that the objectives of CPCSEA include providing online facilities to the establishments for registration and renewals and maintaining a database for easy retrieval and exchange.
CPCSEA is a statutory Committee set up under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.