16.01.2024
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) , Daily Current Affairs , RACE IAS : Best IAS Coaching in Lucknow
For Prelims:About Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee,Functions,Composition |
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court recently questioned the Centre on why reports of the court-appointed Technical Experts Committee (TEC) on the biosafety of genetically modified (GM) crops were not looked into by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
About Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):
Functions:
○It is responsible for the approval of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous living microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from an environmental perspective.
○The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials.
○Clearance of GEAC is mandatory for the environmental release of GM crops.
Composition:
○GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
○Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.
○The members comprise experts from other ministries as well as institutions such as the ICAR, ICMR, CCMB, and so on.
Source: Indian Express