Correct Option
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The GEAC is responsible for appraising activities involving the large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products. This includes their application in research, industrial production, and environmental release, such as field trials.
Incorrect Options
1) The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, primarily governs the regulation of food safety and standards in India. It does not encompass the framework for genetic engineering or the environmental release of genetically modified organisms.
2) The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, provides for the registration and enhanced protection of geographical indications relating to goods. Its scope is distinct from the regulation of biotechnology or genetic engineering.
4) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is enacted for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It does not pertain to the regulation or appraisal of genetically modified organisms.