With reference to the Constitution of India, which one of the following subjects was transferred from the state list to concurrent list?

The correct answer is Forests.

Key Points

• The subject of Forests was transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 of the Indian Constitution.
• This amendment was aimed at addressing concerns regarding the depletion of forest resources and ensuring uniform laws for forest conservation across India.
• By moving forests to the Concurrent List, both the Union and State governments were empowered to legislate on matters related to forests.
• The 42nd Amendment is considered one of the most comprehensive amendments to the Indian Constitution, bringing significant changes to the division of powers between the Centre and the States.
• This shift emphasized the importance of forests as a national resource that required a coordinated effort for conservation and sustainable management.

Additional Information

• State List:
  • The State List is one of the three lists in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, outlining subjects on which only state legislatures can legislate.
  • Examples include police, public health, agriculture, and local government.
• Concurrent List:
  • The Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the Union and State governments can legislate.
  • In case of a conflict between Union and State laws on a Concurrent List subject, the Union law prevails.
  • Examples include education, marriage and divorce, bankruptcy, and forests.
• 42nd Amendment Act of 1976:
  • This amendment is often referred to as a "mini-Constitution" due to the extensive changes it introduced.
  • It transferred several subjects, including forests, education, and protection of wild animals and birds, from the State List to the Concurrent List.
  • It also introduced the Fundamental Duties under Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution.
• Importance of Forests:
  • Forests play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and climate regulation.
  • Their inclusion in the Concurrent List ensures a unified approach to their conservation and sustainable use across the country.
  • India has implemented various laws and policies, such as the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, to safeguard its forest resources.