MoEF Invites Comments for GM Mustard Release

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has invited comments (written submissions) for the proposal on authorisation of environmental release of Genetically Engineered Mustard, through email in the prescribed format at mustard.mef@gov.in. Submissions will be received upto the close of working hours i.e. 5.30 p.m on 05.10.2016.

The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi has applied for the approval of environmental release of Genetically Engineered mustard (Brassica juncea) hybrid DMH-11 and use of parental events (Varuna bn 3.6 and EH-2 modbs 2.99) for the development of new generation hybrids, to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in the Ministry of Environment.

The document on the issue prepared by the sub-committee of GEAC has been placed on the website for comments for a period of 30 days. The comments received will be reviewed by the sub-committee and GEAC before taking appropriate decision.

In India, all genetically engineered organisms and products thereof are regulated as per “Rules for Manufacture, Use/Import/Export & Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms/GE organisms or cells, 1989” notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As per the provisions of Rules, 1989, the biosafety dossier submitted by CGMCP, University of Delhi South Campus has been received by GEAC. GEAC has constituted a sub-committee of scientific experts to thoroughly examine the biosafety data submitted by the applicant.