Genome India Data: Call for Proposals Triggers Transparency Row
Why in the news
A call for research proposals drew criticism because applicants were not told which health measurements the dataset held.
Key facts
- Project: 10,000 Human Genome Project; 83 groups, of which 30 tribal and 53 non-tribal.
- Phenotype data: height, weight, waist and hip size, blood pressure, blood counts, glucose, lipids, liver and kidney tests.
- Commentary: Nature Genetics, 8 April 2025 (data from 9,772 individuals), after the deadline.
Issues and response
- Neither the call, the addendum nor the GenomeIndia website listed these datasets.
- Researchers at the 20 partner institutions knew of them; outsiders were disadvantaged.
- DBT said anthropometric and blood biochemistry data were gathered to confirm sampled persons’ health, and cited One Nation One Subscription, which benefits only public institutions.
Significance
- Raises questions on data transparency and fair access to publicly funded resources.
Exam angle
- Department: DBT.
- Scheme: One Nation One Subscription.