SC appoints independent advisors to GM panel

The Supreme Court on Thursday appointed two independent advisors to a government committee regulating trials of genetically modified (GM) food crops amid concerns about the safety of the crops.

"The two scientific advisors will ensure transparency and that crop trial approvals were based on certain guidelines,'' Sanjay Parikh, a lawyer for Gene Campaign, said yesterday. The non-government organisation opposes the introduction of GM crops in the country.

The central government has established a Genetic Engineering Approval Committee to regulate trials of GM crops. The court order to include independent experts followed applications by groups concerned that modified varieties are not safe. India is conducting trials on crops including rice and rapeseed.

"The committee will conduct the field trials and protect other crops from contamination of the genetically modified crops,'' Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said yesterday.

M S Swaminathan, a scientist, and K M Bhargava, a biotechnologist, will be the advisors to the Committee. Swaminathan was the architect of a plan in the late 1960s to import high-yielding wheat varieties, increasing the nation's output.