The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has announced a reduction to the deadline for seeking suggestions and comments on the draft provisions of the Green Credit Programme Implementation Rules, 2023. This notification was issued on 18th July, 2023.
The Central Government has fixed 31st July, 2023, as the new deadline for submitting feedback on the draft notification.
The draft notification containing the provisions of the Green Credit Programme Implementation Rules was issued on 26th June, 2023, and was published in the official Gazette on 27th June, 2023. As part of the public consultation process, the government invited objections and suggestions from the public, especially those likely to be affected by the proposed rules. Initially, the government had set a period of sixty (60) days for the submission of feedback.
The Green Credit Programme aims to create a framework for the implementation and operationalization of voluntary environmental actions. It encourages individuals and organizations to undertake initiatives that promote environmental conservation and sustainability. The programme’s provisions and mechanisms were made open for public scrutiny to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
Over the past month, numerous consultations have taken place with stakeholders to gather their inputs on the draft provisions. Various concerned parties, including environmental experts, organizations, and citizens, have provided valuable suggestions and comments to shape the final rules.
In addition to stakeholder consultations, inter-ministerial discussions were also conducted, allowing different government departments to contribute their expertise and perspectives to the proposed programme.
In order to give effect to the final notification for promotion of voluntary environmental actions, the government has decided to reduce the feedback submission period. Interested parties now have until 31st July, 2023, to share their suggestions and comments on the draft notification.
