Q) There cannot be a blanket ban on receiving of foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. A regulatory mechanism to keep a watch on the financial activities of NGOs is the need of the hour. Discuss. (250 words)
Why this question?
- Licenses of six NGOs have been suspended under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by the Union Home Ministry this year. Thus the question.
Introduction: Briefly write about Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and recent cases of bans on some NGOs.
Body:
- Significance of NGOs
- Concerns associated with the FCRA
- SC’s Judgement
- Need for a regulatory body
Conclusion: Summarize the above points. Also provide a way forward- A National Accreditation Council for ensuring compliances from NGOs.
Q.2) There should be a revision in the Indian forest policy to boost domestic production of timber. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Why this question?
- A research paper has called for the conservation policy to focus on maintaining ecological balance and improving biodiversity through protected area management.
Introduction: Mention in brief about the timber production in India.
Body:
- Significance of Timber
- Helps rural economy: Increasing timber production from TOFs can revive the rural economy.
- Environmental benefits: Increasing wood production will also push carbon sequestration, and help in mitigating effects of climate change.
- The National Forest Policy 1988, the National Forest Commission 2006 and the recent National Agroforestry Policy 2014 have also recognized the potential of TOFs for timber production in India.
- Concerns with government’s forest policies: Cumbersome TOF regulations for felling and transit of trees and lack of proper market linkages for farm-grown timber were major deterrents towards adoption of tree growing by farmers.
Conclusion: Summarize and suggest a way forward for draft national forest policy.
