NEW DELHI, Jan 3: The Indian government has proposed changes to the rules governing the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to enhance transparency in its decision-making process for the approval and regulation of genetically modified (GM) organisms, crops, and products.
As per a notification released on December 31, GEAC members are now mandated to declare any personal or professional interests that could influence their judgment.
They are also required to recuse themselves from discussions or decisions if they have any direct or indirect ties to the matters being addressed.
In order to implement these regulations, experts joining the committee must provide written declarations detailing any potential “conflict of interest” and must update these declarations as new situations arise. If there’s any doubt regarding a conflict, the committee chair will have the final say, according to the notification.
The existing 1989 regulations govern the manufacture, usage, import, export, and storage of hazardous microorganisms and GMOs, established to protect both human health and the environment.
This notification will be open to public objections and suggestions for 60 days.
The Supreme Court has underscored the necessity for stricter oversight, as evidenced by its split ruling in July of last year concerning the government’s approval of GM mustard.
In the ruling, one of the justices, BV Nagarathna, annulled the approval, citing procedural deficiencies and concerns over “conflict of interest.” (PTI)
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