GM mustard trials: CIC asks govt to reveal bio-safety data
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the
environment ministry to reveal safety data regarding trials of genetically
modified (GM) mustard without further delay.
- CIC has noted that any attempt to postpone or delay the disclosure will block the public discussion on the controversial issue.
- The CIC has also directed the ministry to put in the public domain bio-safety data pertaining to all other GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the pipeline.
Background:
CIC, in April, had pulled up the environment ministry over its
lack of transparency on trials of GM crops and had directed it to make public
all information, including bio-safety data, related to the field trials of the
GM mustard crop before 30 April. However, instead of furnishing information,
the authority requested for two more months. Further, it sought another
extension, this time for 90 days.
What has the CIC said?
The CIC said that it finds no sufficient reason to extend the time
for another 90 days to give information which the MoEFCC was supposed to
disclose on its own under proactive disclosure provisions of the Right to
Information Act, 2005.
About the issue:
The GM mustard in question—DMH-11—has been developed by the Centre
for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants of Delhi University. If it gets the
green light from the environment ministry’s GEAC, it will be the first GM food
crop to be commercially cultivated in India. Right now, only GM cotton is
allowed. GEAC is the environment ministry’s regulator for GMOs and transgenic
products.
