Politics and Government Politics and Government
Fri, January 3, 2025

Govt moves to tighten rules for transparency in GM crop panel decisions


Published on 2025-01-03 05:20:58 - MSN
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  • The Centre has proposed amendments for greater transparency in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee. Members will need to disclose any interests that might affect their judgment. Experts will submit and update written declarations of conflicts of interest.

The Indian government is taking steps to enhance transparency and accountability in the decision-making processes of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which oversees the approval of genetically modified (GM) crops. This initiative follows concerns raised by environmentalists and public interest groups about the lack of transparency in GEAC's operations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has proposed amendments to the existing rules, aiming to make the GEAC's proceedings more open to public scrutiny. These changes include mandatory public consultations, detailed documentation of decisions, and the publication of meeting minutes. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure that decisions regarding GM crops are made with greater public involvement and scientific rigor, addressing issues like biosafety, environmental impact, and socio-economic considerations.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-in/politics/government/govt-moves-to-tighten-rules-for-transparency-in-gm-crop-panel-decisions/ar-AA1wTtGi ]
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