"New technologies have been always questioned and that has been a regular move from few stakeholders who have certain doubts. Moreover, any new cutting-edge technology will be looked at with doubt. Two decades ago, biotechnology was visibly absent in India and therefore it is the lack of awareness that causes the apprehensions to pop up. So this sector requires distinct efforts to remove the roadblocks and move forward." This was stated by the Union Minister of Human Resources and Development (HRD), Mr Shashi Tharoor at the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), held on March 11, 2013 at New Delhi.

Mr Tharoor was appreciative of the efforts being made by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in this regard. He further said, "If you want to hire million people by 2020, you need to educate millions today. I am told that DBT is running 140 programs in 70 universities in areas such as nutrition, environment, marine biotechnology, bioentrepreneurship, and bioinstrumentation. The star college scheme for giving aid to small colleges in remote areas has shown very good results. Also the Karnataka model of finishing schools can be followed elsewhere as well. Other states can emulate this model."

The HRD minister urged the industry captains to work with government in devising the right curriculum. "Our ministry has to offer incentives. If information technology can makes us proud then why not biotechnology. All we have to do is to give the right kind of attention and nurture it. There is a plenty of room from entrepreneurs to grow in this space and what is required for them are the due facilities," concluded Mr Tharoor.