Question 19 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Environment

Question

In India, 'extended producer responsibility' was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

Strategy: Focus on the term 'extended producer responsibility' (EPR), which is closely associated with the management of electronic waste globally. Among the options, only the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, specifically introduce and operationalize EPR for producers. The other listed rules address different waste or regulatory categories and do not formally institute EPR for producers. This direct association allows immediate selection of option C as correct.

Key Info: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach in which responsibility for the lifecycle of a product, especially for take-back, recycling, and final disposal, is placed on producers. In India, EPR became a legally mandated mechanism with the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. These rules require manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment to ensure responsible collection, channelization, and safe disposal of e-waste after its end-of-life stage. The E-waste Rules define obligations for producers, collection centers, dismantlers, recyclers, and consumers, enforcing environmentally sound management practices.

The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, and the Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999, regulate the management and handling of bio-medical and plastic wastes respectively but do not assign or mention EPR as a statutory requirement. The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011, concern food standards and do not deal with EPR or waste management responsibilities for producers.

Globally, EPR has been key in reducing the environmental impact of e-waste and forms a core strategy in international conventions like the Basel Convention. The evolution of India's E-waste Rules (revised in 2016 and 2022) continues to strengthen and clarify EPR implementation.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011