[...] the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) - which is the apex regulatory body for looking into GM crop research and development in the country – brought in a new condition (in its meeting on 13/12/2006) for any GM crop field trials to be conducted in India from this year onwards. As per this, Panchayats have to give prior permission for such a trial to take place in their jurisdiction before the GEAC considers any application. This is also in conformity with the constitutional rights bestowed on Panchayats with regard to their natural resources. Panchayats have to make good use of this authority that they enjoy now.