UPSC CARE Mains Practice 7th November 2025
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Discuss the significance of the Forest Advisory Committee’s recommendation for uniform penal provisions under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, in the context of recent amendments to forest conservation rules. (GS PAPER III – Environment Conservation)
- Why is the government working on new SEZ norms, and how can the proposed “Reverse Job Work” policy help address the current challenges faced by India’s Special Economic Zones? (GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy | Export Promotion)
1Q. Discuss the significance of the Forest Advisory Committee’s recommendation for uniform penal provisions under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, in the context of recent amendments to forest conservation rules. (GS PAPER III – Environment Conservation)
Introduction:
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recently recommended uniform penal provisions under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 (formerly the Forest Conservation Act, 1980). This move aims to standardize penalties for violations and ensure consistent enforcement across states, strengthening India’s forest governance framework.
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1. Rationale for the Recommendation:
- Earlier, different quantum of penalties was imposed for similar violations due to absence of common guidelines.
- The FAC’s review and committee report (2024) called for rationalisation of penalties through Penal Compensatory Afforestation (CA) and Penal Net Present Value (NPV) to ensure fairness and proportionality.
2. Key Provisions under the Adhiniyam and Rules:
- Mandatory Central Approval: No diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval of the Central Government.
- Penal Compensatory Afforestation: Imposed in addition to legal penalties; involves reforestation equivalent to or greater than the area used in violation.
- Penal NPV: Monetary value imposed up to five times the normal NPV rate for violations; based on Supreme Court’s 2017 directives.
- 2025 Amendment Rules:
- Optional protected forest notification for CA land.
- Double afforestation requirement for critical mineral mining.
- Working permissions for linear projects like roads and transmission lines.
3. Legal and Policy Context:
- Rooted in the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, which centralized forest diversion decisions post the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976).
- The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 renamed the law and expanded its scope to include certain lands outside recorded forest areas.
- The T.N. Godavarman (1996) case broadened the definition of ‘forest’ and led to judicial oversight over deforestation.
- Supreme Court’s 2017 and 2024 orders guided the creation of penal NPV mechanisms and adherence to broader definitions.
4. Significance of the Reform:
- Promotes uniformity and transparency in penalty enforcement.
- Enhances deterrence against illegal forest diversion.
- Strengthens accountability of State Governments in reporting violations.
- Supports India’s commitments to carbon neutrality, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use.
- Encourages digital mapping and monitoring of forest lands through modern technologies.
Conclusion:
The FAC’s recommendations mark a crucial step in harmonizing India’s forest governance framework. By integrating legal uniformity, ecological restoration, and accountability, the reform ensures a balance between developmental imperatives and environmental conservation. Going forward, consistent enforcement, state-level capacity building, and community participation will be key to achieving sustainable forest management in line with India’s climate and biodiversity goals.
2Q. Why is the government working on new SEZ norms, and how can the proposed “Reverse Job Work” policy help address the current challenges faced by India’s Special Economic Zones? (GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy | Export Promotion)
Introduction:
India’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were established to promote exports, attract FDI, and generate employment through a globally competitive environment. However, changing global trade dynamics—especially steep US tariffs—have reduced competitiveness, prompting the government to work on new SEZ norms to integrate SEZs with the domestic market.
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Reasons for New SEZ Norms:
- Tariff Pressure: Several SEZ units catering to the US market have become unviable, leading to requests for de-notification.
- Export Slowdown: SEZ exports in FY25 stood at $172 billion, with only 2% catering to the domestic market.
- Structural Issues: Decline in operational units (e.g., gems and jewellery units dropped from 500 to 360).
- Low R&D and FDI: Minimal investment in innovation; absence of investment protection agreements.
- Comparative Lag: Indian SEZs have underperformed compared to China’s integrated manufacturing zones.
Reverse Job Work Policy – The Reform Proposal:
The Reverse Job Work Policy proposes allowing SEZ units to undertake production or processing for the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) instead of being restricted to exports.
Key Benefits:
- Optimal Utilisation: Helps use idle labour and equipment during export slowdowns.
- Efficiency Boost: Strengthens linkages between SEZs and the domestic economy.
- Job Protection: Keeps factories and artisans engaged, especially in labour-intensive sectors.
- Export Competitiveness: Sustains production capacity and prevents closures.
Concerns:
Ensuring parity in duty exemptions between SEZ and domestic units is crucial to avoid unfair advantages.
Conclusion:
Reforming India’s SEZ framework through new norms and the Reverse Job Work policy can enhance industrial resilience, integrate SEZs with the domestic economy, and revive export-led growth. A balanced approach combining fiscal fairness, innovation, and FDI facilitation is essential to make SEZs engines of sustainable development.