Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: The government forests are now managed primarily for ecological services and meeting local communities’ subsistence needs, ending decades of commercial focus.
Statement II: Forest‐based industries, accustomed to getting subsidised raw material supplies from government forests, are now expected to meet their requirements from non‐forest lands by establishing a direct relationship with farmers.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are false

Hint:

The 1988 Forest Policy is the "Constitution" of modern Indian forestry. It shifted focus from Revenue to Regeneration and Rights of local people.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question examines the fundamental shift in India's forest policy and management philosophy, particularly the transition from the 1952 policy to the landmark National Forest Policy of 19

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Management Shift (Statement I): Historically, during the colonial era and early post-independence (under the 1952 policy), forests were managed primarily for timber production and industrial revenue. However, the National Forest Policy of 1988 brought a paradigm shift. It declared that the principal aim of forest policy must be to ensure environmental stability and ecological balance. It explicitly stated that the derivation of direct economic benefit must be subordinated to this aim. It also prioritized the rights and needs of the tribal and local populations living in and around the forests. Thus, Statement I is true.

• Industrial Raw Material (Statement II): Prior to 1988, forest-based industries (like paper and plywood) were often granted long-term leases on forest land at highly subsidized rates. The 1988 policy ended this practice, stating that such industries should not be permitted to clear-fell natural forests for their needs. Instead, the policy encouraged industries to obtain their raw materials from non-forest lands (wastelands or private farms) through mechanisms like Agroforestry and social forestry. This led to the "Industrial Agroforestry" model where industries provide seedlings and buy-back guarantees directly to farmers. Thus, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements accurately reflect the post-1988 management regime of Indian forests.