Inika Charles, The Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the Environment Ministry to release all data relating to the bio-safety of GM Mustard by an order in April following a RTI application filed by Ms. Kavitha Kuruganti (the ‘Appellant’). The application sought information regarding the field trials of GM Mustard, which the Ministry refused to disclose on grounds of confidentiality.
The Ministry is yet to comply with the order in question, but on Tuesday released a safety assessment report stating that GM Mustard technology was found to be safe for human and animal consumption, and didn’t pose any threats to biodiversity. The report, though comprehensive in its 133 pages is unlikely to satisfy activists who demand that the raw data be released. The report did however raise a cautionary note calling for more studies on whether GM Mustard would harm honey bees and honey production in mustard growing areas, as well as call for the monitoring of insects and other organisms near mustard fields. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has additionally stated that it will only take a final decision on the commercialisation after it receives comments from stakeholders and the general public by the 5th of October, 2016.