Ensuring Transparency in GM Crop Approvals: New Rules for GEAC Experts

 

Ensuring Transparency in GM Crop Approvals: New Rules for GEAC Experts

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has revised the rules for selecting expert members of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which is India’s apex body for approving genetically modified (GM) crops.

As per the new rules, experts must declare any conflict of interest, including all professional affiliations from the past 10 years. If a member is directly or indirectly involved with a matter being discussed, they are expected to disclose this before the meeting and may have to recuse themselves unless requested otherwise by the committee.

This change follows a July 2023 Supreme Court order, which delivered a split verdict on the government’s approval of GM mustard. The Court emphasized the need for a national policy on GM crops and measures to address potential conflicts of interest. Concerns had earlier been raised by activists about links between experts and biotech companies like Monsanto (now part of Bayer CropScience). These rule changes aim to enhance transparency, public trust, and credibility in the regulatory process for GM crops in India.


What is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the top regulatory body in India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) that approves or rejects proposals related to the release of genetically modified (GM) organisms, including GM crops, in the environment.

It is responsible for:

  • Assessing safety, risks, and environmental impact of GM organisms.

  • Granting approvals for experimental field trials, commercial release, and import/export of GM products.

  • Ensuring biosafety guidelines are followed in India.

 



Background of the GM Mustard Controversy

  1. GM Mustard:
     India developed a genetically modified mustard variety called Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), from the species Brassica juncea, meant to increase yield. It was developed by Professor Deepak Pental from the University of Delhi.


  2. Controversy:


    • Environmentalists and farmer groups raised concerns about its impact on health, biodiversity, and livelihoods.


    • There were also allegations of bias and conflict of interest against some of the experts evaluating the crop, particularly ties with Monsanto, a multinational biotech company.


  3. Supreme Court Involvement (2023):
     In July 2023, the Supreme Court of India gave a split verdict on whether the Centre's decision to approve GM mustard in 2022 was valid.
     However, the Court directed the government to frame a national policy on GM crops and ensure transparency, especially regarding conflict of interest among experts.



 Why the Recent News Matters (2025 Rule Change)

  • Based on the Supreme Court's 2023 direction and past controversies, the Ministry changed the rules in 2025.


  • Now, all expert members in GEAC must declare their professional ties for the past 10 years.


If there's any conflict of interest, the expert must disclose it and step back from decision-making.

Source: The Hindu | News Author: Jacob Koshy | Date: Jan 2025 

Blog Writer-Krushna Ramrao



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