Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has amended rules for selecting expert members to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), addressing concerns of conflict of interest.
Relevance: GS 3 (Genetic Engineering)
Amendments to GEAC Rules:
- Disclosure of Interests: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that could conflict with their duties.
- Recusal from Discussions: Experts with potential conflicts of interest are expected to recuse themselves from meetings unless specifically requested to participate.
- Detailed Affiliation Form: Members must disclose professional affiliations for the past 10 years before joining the GEAC.
Supreme Court’s Role:
- Split Verdict on GM Mustard (July 2023):Two judges delivered differing opinions on the Centre’s 2022 approval of GM mustard for environmental release.The final resolution on the validity of GM mustard remains pending before a future Bench.
- Directives on Conflict of Interest:
- Both judges agreed on the need for rules to address potential conflicts of interest in decision-making bodies.
- Directives on Conflict of Interest:
Background of Conflict Allegations:
- In 2013, the Coalition for GM-Free India alleged that a member of a Technical Expert Committee appointed by the SC had ties to Monsanto, a biotech and pesticide company.
- The member reportedly ran an organisation funded by Monsanto, raising questions about the impartiality of recommendations on GM crops.
Significance of the Amendments:
- Enhances transparency and accountability in GEAC decisions.
- Aims to address public skepticism about potential bias in approving genetically modified crops.
- Aligns with the SC’s directive to resolve issues around conflict of interest in regulatory bodies.
Next Steps:
- The Centre is expected to formulate a national policy on GM crops as per the SC’s 2023 order.
- The final decision on GM mustard’s release, as well as broader implications for GM crop regulation, awaits further judicial deliberation.
