Question map
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
Explanation
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has been established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)[1] and was constituted on December 5, 1989, under the Environment (Protection)[2] Act 1986. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1986 is the basis of India's biotechnology (biotech) regulatory framework[3].
The GEAC serves as the apex body for regulating genetically modified (GM) crops and organisms in India. While the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) of 2006 has the mandate to regulate GE food products, GE food product approval was deferred to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)[3], this does not mean GEAC is constituted under FSSA. The committee's legal basis remains the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, making option C the correct answer.
Sources- [1] https://ibkp.dbtindia.gov.in/Content/Commitee
- [2] https://ibkp.dbtindia.gov.in/Content/Commitee
- [3] https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Biotechnology+and+Other+New+Production+Technologies+Annual_New+Delhi_India_IN2025-0063.pdf
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a classic 'Parent Act' question. In Environment & Ecology, merely knowing a body exists is insufficient; you must map every major regulator (GEAC, NTCA, NBA, CPCB) to its Statutory Origin and Nodal Ministry. This question rewards structural clarity over random current affairs reading.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006?
- Statement 2: Is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) constituted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999?
- Statement 3: Is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
- Statement 4: Is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?
- Explicitly states GEAC "has been established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)", indicating its statutory basis is the environment ministry, not the Food Safety Act.
- Describes GEAC functions as prescribed in the Rules 1989 (environmental biosafety rules), tying GEAC to the Environment Protection framework rather than the Food Safety and Standards Act.
- States the Environment Protection Act, 1986 is the basis of India’s biotech regulatory framework, linking GEAC to the EPA rather than the Food Safety Act.
- Notes that while the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 has the mandate for GE food products, approval responsibility was deferred to the GEAC until FSSAI regulations and infrastructure were set up—implying GEAC was not constituted under the FSSA.
- Clarifies that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (implemented by FSSAI) regulates food including GM food, distinguishing the food-regulatory mandate from GEAC's environmental/regulatory role.
- By showing FSSA is the food regulator, it supports the distinction that GEAC is not constituted under the Food Safety Act but serves different regulatory functions.
Explicitly states GEAC was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, linking GEAC to an environmental statute rather than the FSS Act.
A student could use this to infer GEAC's statutory home is environmental law and compare that to the FSS Act to see if they are different parent laws.
Says GEAC is the apex body for regulating GM crops and places it in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protection Act 1986.
One could extend this by noting GEAC's ministry placement (Environment) differs from FSSAI's placement (Health) and so likely a different statutory origin.
States FSSAI was created under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, showing which body is actually constituted by the FSS Act.
A student can contrast the statutory basis of FSSAI with GEAC's (from snippets above) to test whether GEAC is under the FSS Act.
Describes the scope of the FSS Act 2006 and lists central food-related orders repealed by it, indicating the FSS Act consolidates food safety regulation under a distinct statute.
Use this to justify checking which regulatory functions (food-safety vs environmental/GM releases) the FSS Act covers and whether GEAC's role fits within that scope.
Notes FSSAI regulates organic foods and issues regulations under the FSS Act, demonstrating FSSAI's functional domain is food safety/standards.
A student could use this functional difference (food-safety regulator) to argue GEAC's GMO/environmental remit is distinct from FSSAI's statutory remit.
- Directly states GEAC "has been established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)".
- Notes GEAC's functions are prescribed in the Rules 1989, linking it to environmental legislation rather than the Geographical Indications Act.
- States the committee was set up under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Rules 1989).
- Shows GEAC is one of the competent authorities formed under environmental rules from 1989.
- Explains the biosafety regulatory framework (and GEAC) was established in 1989 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Notes the body's origin as the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee and its renaming to GEAC in 2010, within environmental regulation context.
Explicitly states GEAC was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and links GEAC to decisions on GM mustard.
A student could check the parent legislation named here (Environment (Protection) Act, 1986) to verify whether GEAC is created by that Act rather than the Geographical Indications Act, 1999.
Describes GEAC as the apex regulatory body for GM crops in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Use this institutional placement (Ministry of Environment) to compare with the statutory home and regulator named in the Geographical Indications Act to see if they match.
Summarises the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 and names the Controller-General of Patents as the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
Compare the authority/registrar named here (Controller-General of Patents) with the body that constitutes GEAC; differing parent authorities suggest GEAC is not under the GI Act.
Mentions GEAC's role and history (DMH-11, Bt brinjal) indicating GEAC's function in biotechnology regulation rather than in intellectual property/indication registration.
A student can use the difference in function (biosafety/regulation vs. IP/registration) to infer that the statutory basis for GEAC is likely separate from the GI Act and check the respective Acts for bodies they create.
- Explicitly states: 'The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) constituted under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986'.
- Uses GEAC in the context of environmental approval for GM mustard, linking its role to the EPA framework.
- Identifies GEAC as the apex body for regulating GM crops 'under the Environment Protections Act 1986'.
- Places GEAC within the Ministry of Environment and Forests, reinforcing its statutory basis under the EPA.
- References rules on 'Hazardous Micro-organism/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules, 1989' which are linked to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Provides regulatory context showing genetically engineered organisms are governed under the EPA regime (supports why a body like GEAC would be constituted under the Act).
- Explicitly states the GEAC was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, indicating a different statutory basis than the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Refers to the Rules 1989 which implement the Environment (Protection) Act, showing the legal framework for GEAC.
- States GEAC "has been established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)", tying it to the environment ministry and rules rather than the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Notes GEAC's functions are prescribed in the Rules 1989, part of the Environment Protection Act framework.
- States the initial biosafety regulatory framework (and thus GEAC's origins) was established in 1989 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Reinforces that GEAC's legal basis is the Environment Protection Act, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
States that GEAC is the apex body for regulating GM crops and is under the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
A student could use this to infer GEAC’s legal basis is EPA 1986 (not WPA 1972) and then check the text of those Acts or official lists of bodies constituted under each Act.
Specifically says GEAC was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in the context of its recommendation on GM mustard.
Combine with a lookup of the Wildlife (Protection) Act's provisions to see whether it creates bodies for biosafety/GM regulation — if not, that supports distinguishing GEAC’s basis.
Lists main environmental laws and notes EPA 1986 as encompassing many environmental functions after Bhopal, suggesting regulatory bodies for environmental technologies may be under EPA.
Use this pattern to posit that technical/regulatory bodies for environmental/biotech issues are more likely created under EPA 1986 than under a species-focused act like the WPA 1972.
Shows the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been used to constitute a wildlife-specific statutory body (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) by amendment, indicating WPA is used for wildlife-focused institutions.
A student could contrast the subject-matter of bodies created under WPA (wildlife enforcement) with GEAC’s GM-crop remit to judge whether GEAC would fit under WPA.
Summarises the scope of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (protection, sanctuaries, zoo authority, licences), indicating its focus is wildlife conservation and related licences.
Use this scope to reason that regulation of genetically modified crops (a biotech/environmental issue) falls outside the typical functions listed under WPA and is therefore more plausibly under EPA 1986.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Found in every standard Environment text (e.g., Shankar IAS, PMF IAS) under 'Regulatory Bodies'.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Biosafety Regulation & The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as an 'Umbrella Legislation'.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Map these siblings: 1) NTCA → Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 2) NBA → Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 3) CPCB → Water Act, 1974 (NOT Air Act). 4) AWBI → Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. 5) CGWA → Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Create a 'Statutory Matrix' for your revision: Column A (Body), Column B (Parent Act), Column C (Ministry), Column D (Chairperson). If a body deals with 'Hazardous Substances' or 'New Technologies' affecting the ecosystem, checking the EPA 1986 is your first logical step.
References explicitly state GEAC is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and placed in the Ministry of Environment.
High-yield factual item for polity/environment questions—UPSC often asks statutory origins and administrative homes of regulatory bodies. Master by mapping key regulators to their founding Acts and ministries; useful for comparing mandates and resolving questions on jurisdiction.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 343
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Multiple references identify FSSAI as created under the FSS Act, 2006 and describe its role in food regulation.
Core fact for governance/public health topics—knowing FSSAI's statutory basis and functions (replacement of PFA) is frequently tested and helps distinguish food-safety authority from other regulators. Prepare by memorising key Acts and the bodies they establish and linking them to ministries.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > PRESENT STATUS OF FOOD PROCESSING IN INDIA > p. 411
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 12: Supply Chain and Food Processing Industry > 12.7 FSS Act 2006 and FSSAI > p. 373
Evidence shows GEAC (environment ministry) regulates GM crops while FSSAI (under FSS Act) handles food safety/organic food—highlighting different regulatory domains.
Conceptually useful for policy-analysis questions on biotechnology governance and inter-agency conflicts. UPSC answers benefit from explaining which body handles environmental risk vs food-safety/consumer protection. Study by contrasting mandates and recent cases (e.g., GM crop approvals).
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 343
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > PRESENT STATUS OF FOOD PROCESSING IN INDIA > p. 411
References state GEAC is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, directly bearing on the question about its statutory origin.
High-yield for UPSC: knowing the statutory basis of regulatory bodies (why they exist, which Act constitutes them) is frequently tested in prelims and mains. Connects Environment law, administrative structure and biosafety regulation. Prepare by mapping major regulators to their parent Acts and ministries (e.g., GEAC → Environment (Protection) Act, Ministry of Environment). Useful for questions on institutional roles, policy critiques, and legal frameworks.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 343
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
The question names the Geographical Indications Act, 1999; a reference describes that Act and the Registrar role, showing it is unrelated to GEAC's regulatory domain.
Important for UPSC aspirants because IP laws and their institutional set‑up (e.g., GI Act and the Registrar-General role) appear in both prelims and mains (economy, international obligations, IPR). Helps distinguish domain-specific statutes (IPR vs. environmental/biosafety law). Preparation: memorize purpose, key provisions and institutional arrangements of major Acts (GI Act, Patents Act, Environment Protection Act) and practice comparisons.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.8 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) > p. 387
The references state the EPA 1986 is the statutory basis under which bodies like GEAC are constituted and EIA notifications/rules are issued.
High-yield for UPSC: EPA 1986 is often the legal anchor in questions on institutional arrangements, notifications (EIA), and regulatory measures post-Bhopal. Understanding its scope helps answer questions on which bodies/rules are created under it and connect to policy, law, and governance topics. Study approach: focus on key powers, scope, and major bodies/rules invoked under the Act.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 343
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > 7.1.INDIAN POLICIES REQUIRING EIA > p. 128
Evidence shows GEAC (and other authorities like CGWA) are set up under the EPA to regulate specific environmental domains.
Important for governance and environment questions: recognizing which authorities are statutory, their parent law, and ministry placement is frequently tested. It links to administrative structure, regulatory scope, and policy implementation. Preparation: make a short list of major regulatory bodies and the enabling statutes/rules.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 343
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 11: Irrigation in India > CENTRAL GROUND WATER AUTHORITY (CGWA) > p. 368
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is also constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Aspirants often wrongly guess it falls under a specific 'Water Act'. Additionally, GEAC was originally named 'Genetic Engineering Approval Committee' but renamed 'Appraisal' to sound less authoritative.
Use 'Scope Logic'.
(B) GI Act is for Intellectual Property (Trade names).
(D) Wildlife Act is for conservation of existing species, not creating new ones.
(A) Food Safety Act regulates what is on the plate, not the environmental release of a crop.
(C) EPA 1986 is the 'Umbrella Act' for hazardous substances and environmental risks—Genetic Engineering is legally treated as a 'hazardous' environmental intervention.
Mains GS-3 (Science & Tech / Agriculture): The conflict of interest between GEAC (under MoEFCC, focusing on environmental release) and FSSAI (under MoHFW, focusing on food safety) is a recurring theme in the debate over GM Mustard and Bt Brinjal commercialization.