UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The polluter pays principle requires that the costs of pollution control and remediation be borne by those responsible for creating pollution. It aims to internalise environmental externalities into production and consumption decisions. The stem clearly describes the idea that polluters should pay for prevention,control and clean up,so polluter pays is the correct term. This principle underpins many modern environmental policies.

Option A:
The precautionary principle emphasises taking preventive action in the face of scientific uncertainty,but it does not specify who should bear the cost. Therefore it does not directly address the cost allocation issue highlighted in the question.

Option B:
Polluter pays encourages firms to adopt cleaner technologies and avoid wasteful practices,because they face financial responsibility for damage. This aligns well with the demand in the stem that generators of pollution cover associated costs.

Option C:
Subsidiarity is a governance principle stating that decisions should be taken at the lowest effective level,close to affected citizens. It deals with institutional arrangements rather than cost allocation for pollution,so it is not the right answer.

Option D:
Proximity refers to managing waste as close as possible to its source to reduce transport and associated impacts. While related to logistics,it does not capture the core idea that polluters should bear costs,so Option D is not suitable.