Question

Which body of the Government of India regulates GM research and safety of introducing GM organisms for public services?

• A. Genetic Engineering Approval Committee
• B. Research Committee on Genetic Manipulation
• C. Bio-safety committee
• D. Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Answer 1

The correct option is A Genetic Engineering Approval Committee

• India was one of the earliest countries to establish a bio safety system for the regulation of GMOs. It established the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) within the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) in 1986.
• GEAC permission is required for field trials, cultivation and commercial release of all GM crops. After a slow start, in 2002, the GEAC permitted the first commercial cultivation of genetically engineered Bacillus thuringiesis (Bt) cotton, using seeds produced by Monsanto in collaboration with its Indian partner, Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (MAHYCO).
  
• Research Committee on Genetic Manipulation is to authorize imports of GMOs/ transgenes/ transgenic seeds for research purposes.
  
• Biosafety Committee is charged with ensuring that all activities involved in research on infectious biological agents are conducted in a safe manner and in conformity with generally accepted standards.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India.
  Hence, correct option is A.