Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has amended rules governing the selection of experts for the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which regulates genetically modified (GM) seeds in India.

• This move follows a Supreme Court directive aimed at addressing conflicts of interest in the decision-making process regarding GM crops.

Key Changes in the New Rules

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The new rules require that expert members disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise due to their professional affiliations, associations, or interests. This includes both direct and indirect associations with matters discussed during GEAC meetings.

• Experts must take necessary actions to ensure that these interests do not affect the committee's decisions.

• Recusal Requirement: If an expert has any direct or indirect connection to a matter being discussed, they are obliged to disclose it before the meeting. Unless the committee specifically requests their participation, the expert is expected to recuse themselves from the meeting.

• Professional Affiliations Disclosure: All selected members are required to complete a form detailing their professional affiliations, covering a period of 10 years prior to joining the committee. This measure is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the selection process.

• Supreme Court Directive: The amendments align with a July 2023 Supreme Court order, which required the Centre to formulate a national policy on GM crops. In the same verdict, the Court issued a split judgment on the validity of the 2022 decision by the Centre to grant conditional approval for the environmental release of GM mustard As a result, the final decision on the GM mustard crop was left for a future bench to resolve.

Significance of the Changes

• Enhanced Transparency: The amendments aim to increase transparency and trust in the decision-making process of the GEAC by ensuring that experts with potential conflicts of interest are not involved in relevant discussions and decisions.

• Regulatory Integrity: By requiring experts to disclose their professional affiliations and associations, the new rules seek to prevent any undue influence from corporate interests, ensuring that decisions on GM crops are made in the public interest.

• Compliance with Supreme Court Ruling: These changes align with the Supreme Court's directions to address concerns of conflict of interest and to ensure a fair and impartial review process for GM crop approvals.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

• GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) is a statutory body under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• It appraises activities involving hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production.

• The committee assesses proposals for the release of genetically engineered organisms and products, including experimental field trials.

• Functions include approving or rejecting proposals, conducting risk and environmental impact assessments, and monitoring biotechnology applications.

• Composition: GEAC is chaired by a senior official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and co-chaired by a Department of Biotechnology (DBT) representative.It includes scientists, environmentalists, and policymakers to ensure diverse expertise in decision-making regarding GMOs and related technologies.