Centre proposes amendment in rules to deal with conflict of interest of GEAC members

NEW DELHI: Acting on a Supreme Country order seeking transparency in decision-making process by central regulator on use of genetically modified organisms (GMO), the environment ministry has proposed certain amendments in the existing rules to weed out any panel member having conflict of interest.
Under the proposed change in the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-Organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules 1989, expert members of the central regulator - Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) - will have to disclose in advance their personal or professional interest that may affect their decision.
“The expert member shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any conflict of interest to which he/she may be subject to, does not affect any decision of the Committee,” said the ministry’s draft proposal issued early this week.
According to the draft, an expert member, who has any direct or indirect association with an agenda coming up for consideration in the meeting of the committee, will have to disclose the nature of their interest prior to the meeting.
“An expert member shall not participate in any deliberation or discussion of the committee regarding such matters, except to provide professional advice if specifically requested by the Committee,” it said.
In case chairman of the committee determines that conflict of interest has arisen in respect of participation of an expert member in a particular agenda item, he may allow such member “to recuse from that particular agenda item”.
The ministry will finalise the amendment in rules after analysing views of stakeholders who have been given 60 days to express themselves through written submission on the issue.
The Supreme Court had in July last year directed that the central govt must ensure that all credentials and past records of any expert who participates in the decision-making process should be scrupulously verified and conflict of interest, if any, should be declared and suitably mitigated by ensuring representation to a wide range of interests.