The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended the rules for selecting experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to improve transparency and address potential conflicts of interest.
- These changes align with a Supreme Court order from July 2023, which directed the Centre to establish a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops.
Key Updates to the Rules:
- Disclosure of Interest: Experts selected for the GEAC must now disclose any interests that may conflict with their duties.
- Conflict Mitigation: Experts are required to take measures to ensure conflicts of interest do not affect their decision-making within the GEAC.
About the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
- The GEAC is the apex regulatory body overseeing genetically modified (GM) organisms, particularly seeds, in India.
- Established under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989), framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Operates under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Chairperson: Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC.
- Co-Chairperson: Representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Responsibilities: Mandatory clearance for the environmental release of GM crops and ensures the safe use of genetically engineered organisms or cells.
GM Crops in India:
- Approved Crop: Bt Cotton is the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.
- Pending Applications: Several applications for GM crop approvals, such as Bt Brinjal and herbicide-tolerant mustard, are under review or await clearance.
