Biotechnology and Its Applications Question 42
42. In India, the organisation responsible for assessing the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms for public use is
[2018]
(a) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
(b) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
(c) Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
(d) Research Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM)
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Answer : c
Hints & Solutions
(c) Indian Government has setup organisation such as GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) which will make decisions regarding the validity of GM research and safety of introducing GM-organism for public services. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials. GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/ Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and cochaired 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.
