GEAC

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle.
The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the enviornment including experimental field trials.
GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.

Functions

The functions of GEAC as prescribed in the Rules 1989 are as follows:

To appraise activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle
To appraise proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
To appraise activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle committee or any persons authorized by it has powers to take punitive action under the Environment Protection Act.

Composition

The composition of the GEAC has been prescribed in Rules 1989 as given below:

Chairman- Special Secretary/Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC); Co-Chairman - Representative of Department of Biotechnology.
Members: Representative of concerned Agencies and Departments, namely, Ministry of Industrial Development, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Atomic Energy.
Expert members: Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research, Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Director General of Health Services, Plant Protection Adviser, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and storage, Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board and three outside experts in individual capacity.
Member Secretary: An official of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).