UPSC Prelims 2008 Q13: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies
Which one of the following Union Ministries is implementing the Biodiesel Mission (as Nodal
Ministry)?
- (a) Ministry of Agriculture
- (b) Ministry of Science and Technology
- (c) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- (d) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: (d) Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation
Nodal Ministry implementing the Biodiesel Mission
India's Biodiesel Mission, focused on promoting Jatropha-based fuel production, was placed under a specific ministry's coordination.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Ministry of Agriculture | Incorrect | Not the designated nodal ministry for this mission |
| (b) Ministry of Science and Technology | Incorrect | Also not the nodal ministry |
| (c) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy | Incorrect | While energy-related, not the specific nodal ministry for this mission |
| (d) Ministry of Rural Development | Correct | The Biodiesel Mission, involving Jatropha cultivation on wastelands, was placed under the Ministry of Rural Development as the nodal ministry, given its link to rural livelihoods and wasteland development |
Biodiesel Mission facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nodal ministry | Ministry of Rural Development |
| Key crop | Jatropha, grown on wastelands |
Answer: (d) Ministry of Rural Development.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Ministry of Agriculture is not the designated nodal ministry here.
- (b) Incorrect. The Ministry of Science and Technology is also not the nodal ministry.
- (c) Incorrect. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy handles broader renewable energy, but is not this mission's specific nodal ministry.
- (d) CORRECT. The Ministry of Rural Development is the Biodiesel Mission's nodal ministry.
Key point
The National Biodiesel Mission, focused on Jatropha cultivation on wastelands, is implemented with the MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT as the nodal ministry, linking it to rural livelihoods.
Remember
Ministry of Rural Development: implements the Biodiesel Mission as the nodal ministry.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an energy-related mission must fall under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- Not knowing the specific wasteland-development/rural-livelihoods rationale behind this ministry assignment.
- Confusing this with unrelated agricultural or science ministries.
Exam tip
Biodiesel Mission = Ministry of Rural Development (nodal), due to its Jatropha-on-wasteland rural livelihoods angle — not the New and Renewable Energy Ministry.
Sources
- Planning Commission, Government of India — Report of the Committee on Development of Bio-Fuel (2003)
- Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India — National Mission on Biodiesel (Jatropha): Demonstration Projects (2003–07)