Question

35. With reference to ‘Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)’, consider the following statements:
1. It is established under Ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare.
2. It is the apex body for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants.
3. It is responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products including experimental field trials.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

• A. Only 1
• B. Only 2 and 3
• C. Only 1 and 3
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Only 2 and 3

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 comes under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It is the apex body to accord approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The GEAC is also responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials (Biosafety Research Level Trial-I and II known as BRL-I and BRL-II).