The Hindu : National : Ordinance opposed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 29, 2004

National

National

Ordinance opposed

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 28. The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has opposed the Government's move to promulgate an Ordinance, amending the Indian Patents Act by saying that it was deliberately done to avoid a discussion in Parliament.

In a statement, the CITU president, M.K. Pandhe, said the amendment was being carried out under pressure from powerful multinational corporations, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as their front, to maximise commercialisation, corner markets and earn higher profits from scientific and technological inventions. ``Having opened the door for limitless patenting and patenting of products, this amendment proves that the Government has willingly weakened its own position vis-à-vis the powerful economies who control 99 per cent of all patents. This amendment removes all the protections India has enjoyed so far,'' Mr. Pandhe said.

People of India will be at the receiving end and will have to pay heavily for everything particularly medicines, pesticides and biotechnological products. Peasants and patients are to be worst affected, endangering their livelihood and life.

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