In which year was the Rajasthan State Forest Policy adopted?

Concept

For a state policy, the authoritative year is taken from the policy title and the dated state-gazette notification. A related national policy or a nearby administrative year is a separate reference point.

The gazette record is primary evidence because it identifies the policy, its issuing government, and the date on which the state adopted it.

Application

The Government of Rajasthan gazette is headed “Rajasthan State Forest Policy 2010” and is dated 24 February 2010. Its preamble states that the Government of Rajasthan adopts this State Forest Policy. Hence, the adoption year is 2010.

Cross-check and contrast

• 1988 is the year of the National Forest Policy cited as the national framework in the state policy preamble.

• 2006 and 2008 are not the year printed in the Rajasthan State Forest Policy title or its gazette date.

• 2010 matches both the title year and the notification date of the Rajasthan state policy.

Result

The Rajasthan State Forest Policy was adopted in 2010.