Disclose bio-safety data of under-test GM mustard: CIC

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission has directed the environment ministry to share a copy of the bio-safety document related to genetically-modified mustard and the raw data of studies with the caveat that provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety as well as confidentiality should be kept in mind.

The transparency panel also directed that the entire bio- safety data pertaining to all other genetically modified crops in the pipeline be put in the public domain as that is part of voluntary disclosures under Section IV of the RTI Act.

The ministry had objected to the disclosure of the data, saying the information is exempted under the RTI clause related to commercial confidence of the third party -- the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants.

They also claimed that the trial is premature and thus information cannot be given.