New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh Tuesday said the working of the government-appointed committee on genetic engineering needs to be changed, and it should conduct itself in a more transparent manner.
“I know people have raised concerns over functioning of the committee. Its procedures need to be changed and it should work in a more transparent manner. The committee should be open about working with other scientists,” Ramesh told reporters here.

Ramesh also announced change of name of the committee from Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee to Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.

“The whole idea of changing ‘approvals’ to ‘appraisals’ is that people should not assume that they are coming for approvals. It is the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, so when you apply you should know that you have a chance of rejection also. If it is ‘genetic engineering approval committee’, you take it for granted that you are going to get approved,” he said.

According to Ramesh, the idea is to change the mindset that it was necessary for the government to clear everything. But the protocol needs to be satisfied, he said.

The committee will hold series of consultations with scientists and others to take a call now on Bt Brinjal, the genetically modified form of brinjal.