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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and its Functions

Why in the News?

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has introduced amendments to the rules governing the selection of experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

Key Highlights of the Revised GEAC Rules:

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that may conflict with their duties. Conflicted members must recuse themselves from decision-making unless specifically requested by the committee.
Transparency Measures: All members are required to submit a detailed record of their professional affiliations from the past 10 years to ensure accountability and unbiased evaluations.
Participation Restrictions: Experts with conflicts of interest must report them before meetings and take steps to ensure that their affiliations do not affect GEAC decisions.
Enhanced Governance: The revised rules aim to strengthen the regulatory process for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring fair and impartial decision-making.
Supreme Court Compliance: The amendments align with the Supreme Court’s directive (2023) to address concerns of conflict of interest in GM crop approval processes, boosting public trust in GEAC’s role.
Improved Operational Integrity: These changes emphasize transparency, ensuring that scientific appraisals and policy decisions remain free from external influence.

What is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?

The GEAC is the apex regulatory body overseeing activities related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in India, particularly their release into the environment.
It is established under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export, and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989) framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Structural Mandate:

Operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Composition:

- Chairperson: Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC.
- Co-Chairperson: Representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Includes 24 members, representing key institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
- Meets monthly for appraisals and discussions.

Powers and Functions of GEAC:

Powers:

- Approves or denies proposals for environmental release of genetically engineered organisms (including GM crops).
- Exercises the power to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for violations.
- Monitors large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production.

Functions:

- Evaluates activities involving the environmental release of GMOs and their products, including experimental field trials.
- Ensures compliance with safety protocols to minimize environmental risks.
- Reviews applications for the import, export, manufacture, and storage of GM organisms and cells.
- Makes recommendations based on a comprehensive assessment of environmental and health impacts.
- Addresses concerns related to conflicts of interest and ensures impartiality in decision-making.
- Engages with stakeholders, including farmers and environmentalists, to maintain transparency and address public concerns.

PYQ:

[2015] The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the:

(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

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Why in the News?

Key Highlights of the Revised GEAC Rules:

What is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?

Structural Mandate:

Powers and Functions of GEAC:

PYQ:

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