UPSC Prelims 2010 Q97: Indian Polity – Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007: checking two statements
This policy addressed the displacement and rehabilitation challenges arising from development projects.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Applicable only to land-acquisition displacement, not other involuntary displacement | Incorrect | The policy's scope was broader, intended to address involuntary displacement generally, not strictly limited to land-acquisition-only cases |
| 2. Formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment | Incorrect | The policy was actually formulated by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, not the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
NRRP 2007 facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formulated by | Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development |
| Scope | Broader than just land-acquisition-caused displacement |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The policy's scope was not restricted only to land-acquisition displacement.
- (b) Incorrect. The policy was formulated by a different ministry/department, not Social Justice and Empowerment.
- (c) Incorrect. Since neither statement is accurate, 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Both the scope-restriction claim and the wrong ministry attribution are inaccurate.
Key point
The National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 was formulated by the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development), NOT the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — and its scope was broader than just land-acquisition-caused displacement.
Remember
NRRP, 2007: formulated by the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development), with a scope broader than land-acquisition-only displacement.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a rehabilitation policy must automatically fall under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Overly narrowing the policy's scope to land-acquisition cases alone.
- Not knowing the specific Department of Land Resources attribution for this policy.
Exam tip
NRRP 2007 = Department of Land Resources (Rural Development Ministry), broader scope than just land-acquisition displacement. Watch for the wrong-ministry trap.
Sources
- National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007
- Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources — Resolution notifying the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 (Gazette of India, 31 October 2007)