Government stresses balance between scientific innovation and humane animal care during national-level policy discussions in New Delhi

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, organised a national conference on “Laboratory Animal Welfare: Policies and Best Practices” in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, scientists, veterinarians, ethics committees and research institutions to discuss ethical and responsible research practices involving laboratory animals.

The conference was organised by the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) and focused on strengthening laboratory animal welfare standards, improving institutional compliance and promoting humane scientific research aligned with national and international best practices.

Key Highlights

• National conference held on laboratory animal welfare and ethical research
• Organised by Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals under DAHD
• Focus on humane animal care, regulatory compliance and ethical scientific practices
• Participation from research institutions, ethics committees and veterinary professionals nationwide
• Government emphasises balancing scientific advancement with compassion and accountability
• Technical sessions discussed policies, welfare frameworks and institutional challenges

Ministers Emphasise Ethical and Humane Research Practices

The conference was attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State George Kurian and DAHD Secretary Naresh Pal Gangwar.

Addressing the conference, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh said animal-based research continues to play an important role in:

• Vaccine development
• Drug discovery
• Scientific innovation
• Medical research

At the same time, he stressed the need to ensure minimal pain and suffering through ethical, humane and regulated practices.

He highlighted the role of CCSEA in monitoring animal welfare standards across research institutions and animal facilities in India.

Focus on Balancing Innovation and Compassion

Minister of State S. P. Singh Baghel said scientific progress must move forward with responsibility and compassion.

Similarly, George Kurian emphasised that technological advancement should be guided by ethical values and respect for all living beings.

DAHD Secretary Naresh Pal Gangwar noted that as India expands its research and healthcare ecosystem, maintaining harmony between scientific development and animal welfare has become increasingly important.

Technical Sessions Focus on Policies and Best Practices

The conference included technical discussions on:

• Laboratory animal welfare frameworks
• Institutional compliance mechanisms
• Best practices in animal research
• Ethical oversight systems
• National and international welfare standards

Participants included representatives from:

• Universities
• Veterinary institutions
• Institutional Animal Ethics Committees
• Government agencies
• Research organisations
• Members and nominees of CCSEA and AWBI

Interactive sessions also addressed operational challenges faced by institutions while implementing welfare guidelines.

Strengthening India’s Responsible Research Ecosystem

The conference concluded with a renewed emphasis on:

• Ethical scientific research
• Transparency in animal-based studies
• Capacity building
• Awareness regarding CCSEA guidelines
• Responsible institutional practices

Officials said the initiative reflects the Government of India’s broader commitment to promoting globally aligned, humane and scientifically robust research systems while ensuring welfare standards for animals used in scientific studies.