Introduction

In India, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products thereof are regulated as per the “Rules for the manufacture, use/import/export and storage of hazardous microorganisms/ genetically engineered organisms or cells, 1989” (commonly referred as Rules, 1989) notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India under the Environment (Protection) Act (1986).

IBSC is the nodal point for interaction within an organisation for implementation of the biosafety regulatory framework. An IBSC is to be constituted by every organisation engaged in research, handling and production activities related to GMOs and each IBSC has a nominee appointed by DBT. The role of IBSCs is extremely important as it is a Statutory Committee that operates from premises of respective organisation.

Institutional Bio-Safety Committee (IBSC) of JIPMER is a registered and accredited committee of Dept. of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. As per guidelines of DBT, IBSC primarily streamlines and facilitates the research dealing with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), living modified organisms (LMOs) and recombinant-DNA (rDNA) materials.

Function

IBSC, JIPMER gives clearance and reviews project proposals falling under restricted category and as per guidelines issued by DBT. The decisions taken by the next higher committee i.e., Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), which operates from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India are based on the applications submitted by the investigators with the approval of IBSC. Apart from framing biosafety programme for the research activity undertaken in the institution, IBSC also conducts onsite evaluation, assessment and monitoring of research facilities, adherence to the biosafety guidelines, procedures and experts involved in research, with overall oversight of the regulatory process, at the institutional level. It also updates principal investigator about IBSC review, approval or rejection of their projects and provides assistance on the issues related to biosafety while using genetic material in research including safety of all the members associated with the research activity. It falls under the ambit of IBSC to assess field experiments and review emergency plan to ensure that the proposed risk assessment, risk management are sufficient. Information of all relevant activities involving the use of GMOs/LMOs and rDNA and non-compliance of guidelines / problems, if any, are reported on a regular basis to the Head of the organisation and to Member Secretary, RCGM), which is the next higher committee.

In addition, the Chairperson, Member Secretary, Biosafety Officer and DBT nominee of IBSC have specific functions. Further the Principal Investigator(s) of the project(s) have significant role to play in complying with he regulatory framework.

Composition

IBSC COMMITTEE MEMBERS