Which organisation in India is responsible for evaluating the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms for public use?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)
Genetically modified (GM) organisms can behave in ways no one can predict once they are released into the environment. So the Government of India set up bodies to check them. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) decides whether GM research is valid and whether it is safe to introduce GM organisms for public services, for example as food or medicine.
Option (1) Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) — Correct. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) is the body that judges the safety of introducing GM organisms for public use.
Option (2) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) — Incorrect. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) runs research laboratories in many fields of science and industry. It does not approve the release of GM organisms.
Option (3) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) — Incorrect. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) plans and supports medical and health research. Approving GM organisms for public use is not its job.
Option (4) Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) — Incorrect. The Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) reviews genetic engineering research work at the laboratory stage. The decision on releasing GM organisms for public use rests with GEAC.
NCERT Extract:
Ethical Issues – “… Genetic modification of organisms can have unpredicatable results when such organisms are introduced into the ecosystem. Therefore, the Indian Government has set up organisations such as GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee), which will make decisions regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM-organisms for public services.”