Understanding the Regulatory Body for GM Research in India

Genetically Modified (GM) organisms are developed using genetic engineering techniques. While promising for various applications like agriculture and medicine, their research, development, and introduction require careful regulation to ensure safety for humans and the environment. The Indian government has established a specific organization to oversee these activities.

Let's examine the options provided to identify this regulatory body:

• (a) Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC): This committee functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). It is the apex body in India responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. It is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms and products, including GM crops. This aligns directly with the question regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM organisms.
• (b) Genetic Modification Approval Committee (GMAC): This is not the official name of the primary regulatory body in India for genetic engineering approvals.
• (c) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): ICAR is a leading organization for agricultural research and education in India. While it conducts research related to crops, including those potentially involving genetic modification, it is primarily a research body, not the final regulatory approval authority for environmental release or introduction of GM organisms.
• (d) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS): AIIMS is a premier medical institute focused on medical education, research, and patient care. It is not involved in the regulation of genetic engineering research or the introduction of GM organisms from an environmental or broad safety perspective across sectors.

Based on the roles and responsibilities of these organizations, the body specifically set up by the Indian Government to take decisions regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM organisms is the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).

Therefore, the correct option is (a).

Revision Table: Key Regulatory Body

Additional Information: Biosafety Regulation in India

The regulatory framework for genetically engineered organisms and products in India is governed by the "Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989" notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

This framework involves multiple committees at different levels:

• Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC): At the institutional level where research is conducted.
• Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM): Under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), reviews R&D activities and approves experiments.
• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): Under MoEF&CC, is the final authority for approving large-scale trials and environmental release of GM organisms, including GM crops, and products.
• State level bodies (State Biosafety Coordination Committee - SBCC and District Level Committee - DLC) are also involved in monitoring.

The GEAC's decision is crucial for allowing GM crops or other GM organisms to be grown or introduced commercially in India, ensuring potential environmental and health impacts are assessed.