New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- The government is considering an Rs.8,000 crore outlay and a not-for-profit company to anchor advanced genome research and innovation, aiming to create a genetic database of diverse population groups to improve public health management.

The Expenditure Finance Committee has examined the biotechnology department's proposal, which could soon be placed before the Cabinet for clearance, two people aware of the development told Mint.

A solid India-specific reference genome will help distinguish normal population variations from disease-causing mutations, one of the people said. The research findings will help develop low-cost diagnostics, improve prediction of drug response, and support targeted screening for genetic di...