Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

Learn about the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), India's regulatory body overseeing the approval and safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biotech products.

Table of Contents

Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended the rules governing the selection of experts to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.

About Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

GEAC is a statutory committee constituted under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import of Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989)” framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)

Function

Responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
It keeps a check on the use, import and export of genetically modified (GM) organisms and crops.
Clearance of GEAC is mandatory for the environmental release of GM crops.

Composition

It is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
Members: 24
GEAC meets every month to discuss the proposals.

Key Changes to GEAC Expert Selection Rules

Disclosure of Conflict of Interest
- Expert members must disclose potential conflicts of interest that could impact their decision-making.
- The expert must take the necessary steps to ensure impartiality in decisions.
- Members directly or indirectly associated with matters being discussed must declare this before meetings.
Recusal from Discussions
- Unless specifically requested by the committee, members with conflicts are expected to recuse themselves from relevant discussions.
Mandatory Professional Disclosure
- Selected members are required to submit a form detailing their professional affiliations from the previous decade.