Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The National Environmental Policy is a response to our national commitment to a clean environment.
Reason (R): Article 48A, $51(A)(g)$ along with judicial interpretation of Article 21 recognise that maintaining a healthy environment is responsibility of the state as well as that of every citizen.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Environmental protection in India is not just a policy choice; it is a Constitutional Duty (51A) and a Directive Principle (48A).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Environmental policy in India is rooted in constitutional mandates and judicial activism. These legal foundations provide the authority and the obligation for the government to create comprehensive environmental protection policies.

Step 1: Analyzing the Policy Commitment (A).
The National Environment Policy (NEP) was formulated to harmonize the principles of environmental protection with development. It represents India's official commitment to ensuring a healthy environment for its citizens. Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing Constitutional Provisions (R).
The Indian Constitution contains specific provisions for the environment:
• Article 48A: Directs the State to protect and improve the environment.
• Article 51A(g): Makes it a fundamental duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment.
• Article 21: Through various Supreme Court rulings, the "Right to Life" has been interpreted to include the "Right to a healthy environment." Reason (R) accurately lists these foundations.

Step 3: Linking Assertion and Reason.
The reason the National Environmental Policy exists (A) is to fulfill the specific constitutional and judicial obligations mentioned in (R). Therefore, (R) is the correct explanation for (A).