The National Council members unanimously adopted the Bio-safety Bill of Bhutan 2014, today.
The Upper House was not in favour of the new section proposed by the National Assembly on the import of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). The proposal from the National Assembly states any person importing GMO, capable of reproducing into the kingdom, shall be punishable under the felony of fourth degree.
The Members of the National Council said the penalty is too severe. They said most people, who deal with agricultural products, are farmers who have little understanding about Genetically Modified Organisms.
Instead, the Upper House decided the offenders should be fined. They say the offenders could also be punished, in accordance with the severity of the crime, the highest being misdemeanour.
