The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, organized a National Conference on “Laboratory Animal Welfare: Policies and Best Practices” in New Delhi today. The conference aimed at strengthening laboratory animal welfare standards, promoting ethical and responsible research practices, and fostering collaboration among policymakers, scientists, veterinarians, regulatory authorities, and institutional representatives from across the country.

The conference served as an important platform for deliberations on humane and ethical practices in laboratory animal care and use, effective implementation of regulatory frameworks, advancements in laboratory animal welfare, institutional compliance, and adoption of national and international best practices.

The event was graced by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, as the Chief Guest, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs; and Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

 

Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised that while animal‑based research continues to play a crucial role in scientific advancement, vaccine development, and drug discovery, it is equally important to ensure minimal pain and suffering through ethical and humane practices. He highlighted the pivotal role of CCSEA in regulating animal welfare standards across research institutions and animal houses nationwide. He emphasized strengthening research and innovation in line with international benchmarks while strictly adhering to animal welfare guidelines and highlighted the importance of effective vaccination programmes such as FMD for enhancing dairy sector growth and export potential.

 

 

Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj highlighted that scientific progress must move forward with compassion and responsibility. India’s vision is not only innovation in research, but also ensuring dignity, care, and ethical treatment for every living being.

Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, emphasized that scientific advancement must always be guided by compassion and ethical values. He stated that true technological progress lies not only in innovation, but also in ensuring dignity, care, and respect for every living being.

Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, stated that as India experiences rapid growth, health‑related challenges are also increasing, making scientific research more critical than ever. He emphasized the need to strike a careful balance and harmony between scientific progress and animal welfare, so that development is accompanied by sensitivity and ethical responsibility.

The conference witnessed participation from representatives of research institutions, universities, Institutional Animal Ethics Committees, veterinary professionals, Nominees and Members of CCSEA, Members of AWBI and government agencies from across the nation. The National Conference reaffirmed the Government of India’s strong commitment to promoting responsible, ethical, and transparent research practices while ensuring the humane treatment and welfare of animals used for scientific purposes.

Apart from the inaugural session, the technical session was also held on the theme : Policies and Best Practices of Research on Animals and their Welfare, wherein the experts and professionals of laboratory animal science have deliberated and recognised the contributions of CCSEA.

The Conference concluded with an interactive session where the participants and Members of CCSEA interacted and discussed the issues being faced by them at the institutional level. The Committee suggested ways out for their issues and also emphasised that self-awareness and compliance with guidelines of CCSEA are important for maintaining animal welfare and research.

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