UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The Green Credit Programme assigns economic value to environmentally beneficial activities that meet specified standards. Participants who carry out such actions can earn green credits, which may then be traded in a domestic market, creating financial motivation for conservation and restoration. This approach complements traditional regulation by rewarding proactive environmental stewardship across sectors.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because credits are performance-linked; there is no provision for unconditional subsidies to all industries.

Option B:
This option correctly summarises the programme’s logic of using tradable credits to reward positive environmental outcomes.

Option C:
Credits are not meant to legitimise indiscriminate forest conversion; land-use change must still comply with separate legal safeguards.

Option D:
The rules introduce an additional instrument and do not abolish existing environmental regulations; both types of tools are expected to work together.

The Green Credit Rules create a framework in which environmentally beneficial activities can earn “green credits” that are tradable in a domestic market. Activities such as tree plantation on degraded land, water conservation or pollution abatement can generate credits if they meet specified criteria. By attaching economic value to such actions, the programme seeks to encourage wider participation by individuals, communities and firms. It thus complements command-and-control regulation with market-based incentives aligned with sustainable development goals. (moefcc-gcp.in)

Option A:
This option is incorrect because the Green Credit Rules do not replace all environmental regulations; they operate alongside existing laws. A single carbon tax would also be much narrower than the multi-activity scope of the programme.

Option B:
This option is wrong as credits are earned only when specified environmental actions are undertaken and verified. The programme does not offer unconditional cash transfers but performance-linked incentives.

Option C:
This option correctly captures the intention of the scheme: to reward verifiable positive environmental actions with tradable credits. It highlights both the incentive structure and the focus on activities such as plantation and restoration.

Option D:
Allowing blanket conversion of forest land into real estate in exchange for credits would undermine conservation goals. The rules seek to support ecological improvement, not legitimise deforestation.

The Green Credit Programme is intended to reward actions that lead to real environmental gains. Activities such as restoring degraded land through tree plantation, conserving water bodies or reducing pollution can be registered and verified. When they meet specified standards, they generate tradable green credits that create financial incentives for individuals, communities and companies. This complements traditional regulation with positive rewards.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because coal plants without controls increase pollution and would not qualify for green credits.

Option B:
This option correctly states that verified improvement activities like plantation and water conservation are eligible for earning credits.

Option C:
Discharging untreated effluents violates environmental laws and would attract penalties, not credits.

Option D:
Increasing single-use plastics conflicts with waste-reduction goals and cannot be considered a positive environmental action.