Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
1.It has been constituted under the Biodiversity Act, 2002.
2.Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change oversees the functioning of the GEAC.
3.It is responsible for researching and developing new genetically modified organisms in India.
4.As per the new rules, selected expert members of the Committee are required to take steps to ensure that any conflicts of interest do not affect GEAC decisions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect. The GEAC was established under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989, which were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The GEAC is not involved in research or development; its role is regulatory. It appraises activities involving GMOs from an environmental perspective and grants approvals for their release or use.
Statements 2 and 4 are correct. The GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Recent amendments mandate that expert members disclose potential conflicts of interest and take necessary measures to ensure such conflicts do not influence GEAC decisions.
Source: The Hindu
