What is the role of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)…

The correct answer is Option (2) → To regulate research, testing, and commercial release of GM organisms

Genetically modified (GM) organisms can behave in ways no one can predict once they are released into an ecosystem. So the Indian Government set up the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC). It decides whether GM research is valid and whether it is safe to introduce GM organisms for public services, so it works as a regulator of GM research and release.

Option (1) To promote the sale of GM crops — Incorrect. GEAC judges the validity and safety of GM work. Selling genetically modified (GM) crops is not its job.

Option (2) To regulate research, testing, and commercial release of GM organisms — Correct. GEAC decides on the validity of GM research and on the safety of introducing GM organisms, which means it regulates their research, testing and release.

Option (3) To ban genetically modified organisms — Incorrect. GEAC does not ban GM organisms as a group. It examines each case and approves those found valid and safe.

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.”