Question

In India, the organisation responsible for assessing the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms for public use is

• A. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• B. Research Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM)
• C. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• D. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine which organization is responsible for assessing the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for public use in India, we need to evaluate the roles of the given options:

1. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): ICMR is primarily focused on the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research in India. It does not specifically assess GMOs for public safety.
2. Research Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM): RCGM is responsible for monitoring and evaluating research on GMOs. It operates under the Department of Biotechnology but does not have the authority to approve the release of GMOs for public use.
3. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): CSIR is a leading research and development organization in India but does not play a role in assessing the safety of GMOs for public release and use.
4. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): GEAC is directly responsible for the appraisal and approval of activities involving the large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. It is also responsible for approving the release of GMOs and products into the environment, including agricultural crops, pharmaceuticals, industrial products, etc.

Given these evaluations, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the correct answer. It is the competent authority for evaluating and approving GMOs for safe public use in India, ensuring they meet environmental and health safety standards.

Hence, the correct answer is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).