The Industry's rejoicing over Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approvals to 15 GM crops on July 18, 2014 has proved to be shortlived. In a fresh case of the government's inherited indecisiveness, the new regime has made it clear that it would be treading cautiously over the issue. In a move that points towards deferring of the field trials, it has signalled fresh consultations with all stakeholders to reach a concensus. The reason behind it is apparent pressure by the Rashtriya Svayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch and Bhartiya Kisan Sangh who have been opposing it since a long time.

As per Mr Prakash Javdekar, minister of environment and forests, "The expert panel has given recommendations but the environment minstry is yet to give a go ahead. As of now, it is just a recommendation and not a decision."

While the government had earlier shown the signs of rethinking over this issue, it however, has been caught in its own words from the election manifesto that clearly opposed GM crops.

Now, it would be interesting to see whether the government continues with the 'look other way' policy of the UPA or it takes a call and proves itself different.