CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently updated the regulations for selecting experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). These amendments are designed to improve transparency and address concerns regarding conflicts of interest among committee members. The changes come in response to a Supreme Court directive that called for a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops. The GEAC is a key body responsible for regulating the use of GM seeds in India, with a focus on ensuring environmental safety.
Background Of GEAC
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and was initially known as the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee. It was restructured and renamed in 2010. The GEAC is tasked with assessing the environmental safety of activities involving genetically engineered organisms and hazardous microorganisms. The committee plays a crucial role in reviewing proposals for the release of GM organisms and conducting environmental assessments before such releases are approved.
Recent Amendments Overview
The newly amended rules require expert members of the GEAC to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. They must reveal any affiliations that might influence their decision-making process. If a member has a direct or indirect connection to a matter under discussion, they are now mandated to recuse themselves from the decision-making process. This change aims to ensure that the GEAC's decisions are objective, scientifically sound, and free from undue external influence.
Supreme Court Directive
These amendments were prompted by a Supreme Court ruling in July 2023. The Court issued a divided verdict on the approval of GM mustard, highlighting the necessity of a clear and transparent process to handle conflicts of interest. The ruling came after allegations that a GEAC member had connections to a company with vested interests in GM crops. The Court stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in the committee's decision-making procedures.
Composition Of GEAC
The GEAC is chaired by a senior official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, either the Special Secretary or Additional Secretary. The committee is composed of members from various governmental departments, including the Department of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Industrial Development. Currently, the GEAC consists of 24 members, who are experts drawn from agricultural and scientific research fields.
Functions Of GEAC
The GEAC is entrusted with several key responsibilities, including appraising the use of hazardous microorganisms and genetically engineered organisms. It reviews proposals for the environmental release of GM organisms, which includes overseeing experimental field trials. The committee also has the authority to take corrective or punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act, should such measures be deemed necessary to safeguard the environment.
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