New Rules for Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee

January 3, 2025

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently amended the rules for selecting experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). These changes aim to enhance transparency and address conflicts of interest among committee members. The amendments follow a Supreme Court order that called for a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops. The GEAC plays important role in regulating GM seeds in India and ensuring environmental safety.

Background of GEAC

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It was originally named the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee but was renamed in 2010. The GEAC is responsible for evaluating activities involving hazardous microorganisms and genetically engineered organisms. It reviews proposals for the release of GM organisms and conducts environmental assessments.

Recent Amendments Overview

The new amendments require expert members to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Members must reveal affiliations that could influence their decisions. They are also required to recuse themselves from discussions if they have a direct or indirect association with the matter at hand. This change aims to ensure that decisions made by the GEAC are unbiased and based on scientific evidence.

Supreme Court Directive

The amendments were influenced by a Supreme Court ruling in July 2023. The court issued a split verdict regarding the approval of GM mustard crops, denoting the need for a clear process to manage conflicts of interest. The ruling followed allegations that a committee member had ties to a company with vested interests in GM crops. The court’s decision emphasised the importance of transparency in the appraisal process.

Composition of GEAC

The GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary or Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It includes representatives from various departments, such as the Department of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Industrial Development. The committee currently comprises 24 members, including experts from agricultural and scientific research councils.

Functions of GEAC

The GEAC is tasked with several key functions. It appraises activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and genetically engineered organisms. The committee evaluates proposals for environmental release of GM organisms, including experimental field trials. It also has the authority to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act if necessary.

GEAC was previously called the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee.
The GEAC meets monthly to review applications related to GM organisms.
It includes members from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The committee has the power to prohibit hazardous recombinants.
Amendments were made in response to a Supreme Court ruling from July 2023.

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