Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee

Background and evolution

Genetic engineering allows scientists to insert genes from one organism into another to give traits such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. Because GM organisms can spread genes to wild relatives, affect non-target species and raise food safety questions, governments regulate them under biosafety rules. India notified the "Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells" in 1989 under the Environment (Protection) Act.

The Rules created a multi-tier system: Institutional Biosafety Committees at research institutions, the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation under the Department of Biotechnology for research and contained trials, and the GEAC under the Environment Ministry for large-scale and environmental release. State and District Biotechnology Coordination Committees monitor implementation. India is also a party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2003).

Key features and provisions

• Appraisal of release: proposals for large-scale use of GE organisms in research and industrial production, and environmental release, including field trials and commercialisation.
• Import and export: approves import of GE organisms and products.
• Recommendatory role: since 2010, the GEAC recommends and the Environment Minister decides on commercial release of GM crops.
• Composition: officials from ministries, scientific experts and representatives of bodies like ICAR and FSSAI.
• Food products: since 2006, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has responsibility for GM foods, though rules for GM food approval have been slow to emerge.
• Penalties: violations are punishable under the Environment (Protection) Act.