UPSC Prelims 2015 Q63: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
- (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- (b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- (d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer: (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Explanation
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
The GEAC is set up under the Rules of 1989 made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
It works in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Appraises proposals for release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment |
| Old name | Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (renamed in 2010) |
Decisions linked to the GEAC:
| Crop | Decision |
|---|---|
| Bt cotton | Approved in 2002; India's only commercial GM crop |
| Bt brinjal | Cleared by the GEAC; put under moratorium in 2010 |
| GM mustard (DMH-11) | Environmental release recommended in 2022 |
The other options: the Food Safety and Standards Act sets up FSSAI; the Geographical Indications Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act have no role here.
Answer: (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 sets up FSSAI, not the GEAC.
- (b) Incorrect. The Geographical Indications Act, 1999 deals with GI tags.
- (c) CORRECT. The GEAC is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- (d) Incorrect. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 deals with wild animals and plants.
Key point
GEAC: statutory body under the 1989 Rules of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; in MoEFCC; appraises GM crops (Bt cotton 2002).
Remember
GEAC = Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Common mistakes
- Linking GM food crops to the food safety law.
- Thinking the GEAC is under the Agriculture Ministry.
- Forgetting the change of name from Approval to Appraisal.
Exam tip
GM release is treated as an environmental risk, so the Environment Act governs it.
Sources
- Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee