49  Value education and environmental education

49.1 What the Syllabus Covers

PYQs reliably ask: (a) types of values (Allport, Rokeach), (b) Indian commissions and committees on value education (Radhakrishnan 1948-49, Kothari 1964-66, Chavan Committee 1999 on value-based education, Ramamurti 1990), (c) Supreme Court judgment of 1991 mandating environmental education (MC Mehta vs Union of India, mandated EVS in syllabi), (d) NCF 2005 / NEP 2020 value & EE provisions, (e) EE international milestones (Stockholm 1972, Belgrade Charter 1975, Tbilisi 1977, Rio 1992 Agenda 21, ESD UN Decade 2005-14).

49.2 Meaning of Value Education

TipDefinitions
  • Value — a deeply held belief about what is desirable or worthwhile that guides choice and conduct.
  • Value education — the planned process by which learners acquire, internalise, and act on personal, social, moral, spiritual, and civic values.
  • Goal: integrated development of head, heart, and hand (Mahatma Gandhi’s “Nai Talim”); produce a citizen who is competent and conscientious.
  • Indian roots: Upanishads (Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye), Bhagavad Gita (svadharma), Buddhist 8-fold path, Jain ahimsa, Sufi-bhakti pluralism, Gandhi’s seven social sins, Tagore’s Visva-Bharati.
  • Modern frame: Rokeach (1973) — terminal (end states like freedom, equality) vs instrumental (modes of conduct like honesty, courage) values.
  • Allport-Vernon-Lindzey (1931, revised 1960) — 6 value orientations: Theoretical, Economic, Aesthetic, Social, Political, Religious.
  • Spranger (1928) — same 6 personality types.
  • Sri Aurobindo — 5-fold being (physical, vital, mental, psychic, spiritual).
  • Krishnamurti — values cannot be “taught” — only awakened through awareness.

49.3 Types of Values

TipSix classifications
Classification Categories Examples
Personal Self-related Honesty, discipline, courage, integrity, self-control
Social Community-related Cooperation, tolerance, equality, fraternity, gender justice
Moral / Ethical Right vs wrong Truth, ahimsa, justice, fairness
Spiritual Transcendent Compassion, devotion, contentment, simplicity
Aesthetic Beauty Art appreciation, harmony, taste
Constitutional / Civic Polity Justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism
Universal Human Values (UNESCO) Cross-cultural Peace, love, truth, non-violence, righteous conduct (Sathya Sai’s 5)
Rokeach (1973) Terminal (18) + Instrumental (18) World peace, ambitious, honest
Allport-Vernon-Lindzey 6 orientations Theoretical/Economic/Aesthetic/Social/Political/Religious

49.4 Sources of Value Education

TipSources of value education
  • Family — primary socialisation.
  • School and Teacher — Plato called teachers the “moulders of society”.
  • Religion and scriptures — Upanishads, Quran, Bible, Guru Granth Sahib, Tripitaka.
  • Peer group — adolescence influences.
  • Mass media — DD, AIR, films, OTT, social media.
  • Constitution — Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A).
  • Workplace and society at large.

49.5 Indian Policy Provisions for Value Education

TipPolicy framework
  • Radhakrishnan Commission 1948-49 — religion-without-dogma, ethics in higher education.
  • Mudaliar Commission 1952-53 — character formation.
  • Kothari Commission 1964-66 — “Education for national development”; secular ethics, character.
  • NPE 1986 — Section 8.4 “value education shall help eliminate obscurantism, religious fanaticism, violence, superstition, and fatalism”.
  • POA 1992 — broad-based value education.
  • Chavan Committee 1999 — “Report on Value-Based Education”; recommended Religion as Universal Reality and core human values.
  • NCF 2005 — values from Constitution; secular framework.
  • NEP 2020 — values rooted in truth, righteous conduct, peace, love, non-violence (5 universal) + Indian heritage + Constitution (51A).
  • National Resource Centre for Value Education — NCERT under Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations.
  • CBSE’s “Life Skills” curriculum since 2003.
  • WHO’s 10 life skills (1993): self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationship, coping with emotions, coping with stress.

49.6 Approaches and Methods of Value Education

TipMajor Approaches
Approach Proponent / Year Idea
Inculcation Traditional Direct teaching of “right” values
Cognitive-Developmental Kohlberg 1958/1969 6 stages of moral reasoning
Values Clarification Raths, Harmin, Simon (1966) Help learners discover own values
Values Analysis Coombs & Meux 1971 Rational examination of value issues
Action Learning Newmann 1975 Community service
Moral Dilemma Discussion Kohlberg’s “Heinz dilemma” Reasoning through conflict
Character Education Lickona 1991 Direct cultivation of virtues
Service Learning NSS/NCC Volunteering in community
Indian — Nai Talim Gandhi 1937 (Wardha) Hand-head-heart through productive work
Yoga + Meditation Patanjali Inward awareness
TipKohlberg’s 6 stages (3 levels)

Pre-conventional: (1) punishment-obedience · (2) instrumental-relativist. Conventional: (3) good boy-nice girl · (4) law and order. Post-conventional: (5) social contract · (6) universal ethical principles.

49.7 Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties

TipConstitutional Values
  • Preamble values: Justice · Liberty · Equality · Fraternity (Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité — French Revolution).
  • Secular (added 42nd Amendment 1976), Socialist (also 1976), Sovereign Democratic Republic.
  • Fundamental Rights (Part III, Art. 12-35) — 6 categories.
  • Directive Principles (Part IV, Art. 36-51).
  • Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A) — added by 42nd Amendment 1976 on the recommendation of Sardar Swaran Singh Committee 1976.
  • Originally 10 duties; 11th added by 86th Amendment 2002 (parent/guardian to provide opportunity for elementary education to 6-14 yrs).
TipFundamental Duties Art. 51A (11)
  1. Abide by Constitution; respect ideals, institutions, National Flag, National Anthem.
  2. Cherish ideals of freedom struggle.
  3. Uphold sovereignty, unity, integrity.
  4. Defend country; render national service.
  5. Promote harmony, common brotherhood; renounce derogatory practices to women.
  6. Value rich heritage of composite culture.
  7. Protect and improve natural environment (forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife); compassion to living creatures.
  8. Develop scientific temper, humanism, spirit of inquiry, reform.
  9. Safeguard public property; abjure violence.
  10. Strive for excellence.
  11. (86th Amendment 2002) Provide opportunities for elementary education to children 6-14.

49.8 Environmental Education — Concept

TipEnvironmental Education
  • Definition (UNESCO-Tbilisi 1977): A learning process that increases knowledge and awareness of the environment and its challenges, develops skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
  • 3 dimensions: Education about + in + for the environment (Lucas 1972).
  • Goals (Tbilisi 1977): awareness · knowledge · attitudes · skills · participation.
  • Pillars:
    • Ecological literacy.
    • Sustainability ethic.
    • Action competence.
    • Environmental citizenship.
  • Related concepts:
    • ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) — UN Decade 2005-2014; led by UNESCO.
    • Climate Change Education (CCE) — UN Framework 1992.
    • Disaster Risk Reduction Education (DRRE) — Sendai Framework 2015-2030.
    • Education for Global Citizenship.

49.9 International Milestones in Environmental Education

TipInternational EE Timeline
Year Milestone Place
1948 IUCN founded (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Fontainebleau, France
1965 Term “Environmental Education” coined Keele Conference, UK
1968 Biosphere Conference by UNESCO Paris
1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment (“Stockholm Conference”) — first global summit; UNEP created; Stockholm Declaration; 5 June as World Environment Day Stockholm, Sweden
1975 Belgrade Charter — first global EE framework; UNESCO + UNEP Belgrade
1977 Tbilisi Intergovernmental Conference — defined goals, objectives, principles of EE Tbilisi, USSR
1980 World Conservation Strategy (IUCN) —
1987 Brundtland Report — “Our Common Future” — defined Sustainable Development UN
1990 International Congress on EE & Training (Moscow) Moscow
1992 Rio Earth Summit — Agenda 21 (Chapter 36 on EE); UNFCCC, CBD Rio de Janeiro
1997 Thessaloniki Conference Greece
2002 Johannesburg WSSD South Africa
2005-14 UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) — UNESCO led Global
2012 Rio+20 — “The Future We Want” Rio
2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 — SDG 4.7 on ESD + GCED New York
2015 Paris Agreement Article 12 — climate change education Paris
2019-2030 ESD for 2030 framework by UNESCO —

49.10 Environmental Education in India

TipEE in India
  • Constitution:
    • 42nd Amendment 1976 — added Article 48A (DPSP) “State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment” and Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duty) “to protect the environment”.
  • MC Mehta vs Union of India (1991) — Supreme Court directed Centre to make environmental education compulsory at all levels under Article 51A(g).
    • Reiterated in 2003 judgment by SC.
  • University Grants Commission (UGC) issued model curriculum for Environmental Studies at UG level — compulsory 6-month course in all undergraduate programmes (UGC 2003).
  • NCERT — EE infused in school syllabi (NCF 2005 and updated NCF-SE 2023).
  • NEP 2020 — value-based and EE integrated into curriculum; sustainability and “Indian Knowledge Systems” of environmental wisdom (Chipko, Bishnoi, Sacred Groves).
  • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) — Environmental Education, Awareness and Training Scheme (EEAT) — since 1983-84.
  • National Green Corps (NGC) “Eco-Clubs”, 2001-02 — 1 lakh schools.
  • Centre for Environment Education (CEE) Ahmedabad — founded 1984 by Kartikeya Sarabhai; recognised by MoEFCC.
  • National Environmental Awareness Campaign (NEAC) — annual since 1986.
  • Paryavaran Vahini scheme.
  • GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment) Program — India joined 1995.
  • Bharatiya Jnan Parampara IKS division (MoE, 2020).
  • GREEN UGC Scheme for green campuses 2020.
  • “Green Schools” awards by CSE.
  • Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) — launched by India at COP26 Glasgow Oct 2021, promoted globally Oct 2022.
  • National Curriculum Framework — School Education 2023 (NCF-SE 2023) — under NEP 2020 (chair: K. Kasturirangan); environmental sustainability is a key cross-cutting theme.

49.11 Indian Environmental Thinkers and Movements (Education Touch-Points)

TipIndian Eco-Thinkers
  • Mahatma Gandhi — “The earth has enough for everyone’s need but not greed.”
  • Sundarlal Bahuguna — Chipko, “Ecology is permanent economy.”
  • Vandana Shiva — eco-feminism, Navdanya.
  • Salim Ali — “Birdman of India”.
  • Madhav Gadgil — Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel 2011.
  • Anil Agarwal — Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) 1980.
  • Sunita Narain — CSE Director.
  • R.K. Pachauri — TERI; IPCC Nobel 2007.
  • Khoshoo & Swaminathan — sustainable development science.
  • A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — “PURA” (Provision of Urban amenities in Rural Areas).
  • Movements: Chipko 1973 (Uttarakhand) · Appiko 1983 (Karnataka) · Bishnoi 1730 (Khejarli, Rajasthan; Amrita Devi) · Silent Valley 1973-85 (Kerala) · Narmada Bachao Andolan 1985 (Medha Patkar, Baba Amte).

49.12 Theory Anchors

TipKey Anchors
Item Year / Detail
Stockholm Conference + UNEP 1972
Belgrade Charter 1975
Tbilisi Conference 1977
Brundtland Report 1987
Rio Earth Summit (Agenda 21) 1992
UN Decade of ESD 2005-2014
Paris Agreement Article 12 2015
MC Mehta vs UoI 1991 SC judgment, EE compulsory
42nd Amendment 1976 → Art. 48A, 51A
86th Amendment + 11th FD 2002
UGC compulsory EVS course 2003
CEE Ahmedabad 1984 (Kartikeya Sarabhai)
National Green Corps Eco-Clubs 2001
Mission LiFE 2021
NEP 2020 / NCF-SE 2023 Kasturirangan
Kohlberg moral stages 1958/1969
Rokeach Value Survey 1973
Allport-Vernon-Lindzey 6 1931
Raths, Harmin, Simon — Values Clarification 1966
Gandhi’s Nai Talim 1937 Wardha
WHO 10 Life Skills 1993
Sathya Sai’s 5 universal values Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, Non-violence
Chavan Committee on VBE 1999

49.13 Practice Questions

Q 01 Stockholm Easy

The first UN Conference on the Human Environment was held in 1972 at:

  • ARio de Janeiro
  • BStockholm
  • CTbilisi
  • DBelgrade
View solution
Correct Option: B
Stockholm 1972; UNEP created; 5 June = World Environment Day.
Q 02 EE Medium

The Tbilisi Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education was held in:

  • A1972
  • B1975
  • C1977
  • D1992
View solution
Correct Option: C
Tbilisi 1977 — defined goals/principles of EE.
Q 03 Belgrade Medium

The Belgrade Charter on Environmental Education was adopted in:

  • A1972
  • B1975
  • C1977
  • D1987
View solution
Correct Option: B
Belgrade Charter 1975 — first global EE framework.
Q 04 Rio Medium

Agenda 21, which devotes Chapter 36 to environmental education, was adopted at:

  • AStockholm 1972
  • BRio Earth Summit 1992
  • CKyoto 1997
  • DParis 2015
View solution
Correct Option: B
Rio 1992 Earth Summit — Agenda 21, UNFCCC, CBD.
Q 05 MC Mehta Hard

The Supreme Court of India directed compulsory environmental education at all levels in the case:

  • AKesavananda Bharati 1973
  • BMC Mehta vs UoI 1991
  • CVishaka 1997
  • DUnni Krishnan 1993
View solution
Correct Option: B
MC Mehta vs Union of India, 1991 — directed compulsory EE; reiterated 2003.
Q 06 42nd Amdt Medium

Articles 48A (DPSP, environment) and 51A (Fundamental Duties) were added to the Constitution by the:

  • A42nd Amendment 1976
  • B44th Amendment 1978
  • C52nd Amendment 1985
  • D73rd Amendment 1992
View solution
Correct Option: A
42nd Amendment 1976 on Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation.
Q 07 Fundamental Duties Hard

The 11th Fundamental Duty (on elementary education to children 6-14 yrs) was added by:

  • A42nd Amendment 1976
  • B73rd Amendment 1992
  • C86th Amendment 2002
  • D93rd Amendment 2005
View solution
Correct Option: C
86th Amendment 2002 — Art. 51A(k) → 11 duties now.
Q 08 Kohlberg Medium

Kohlberg's theory of moral development has how many stages?

  • A3
  • B4
  • C6
  • D8
View solution
Correct Option: C
6 stages across 3 levels (Pre-conventional, Conventional, Post-conventional).
Q 09 Rokeach Hard

Rokeach (1973) classified values into:

  • APersonal and Social
  • BTerminal and Instrumental
  • CTheoretical and Practical
  • DMaterial and Spiritual
View solution
Correct Option: B
Terminal (end-states) and Instrumental (modes of conduct), 18 each = 36 in RVS.
Q 10 Allport Hard

Allport-Vernon-Lindzey "Study of Values" identified how many value orientations?

  • A4
  • B6
  • C7
  • D10
View solution
Correct Option: B
6: Theoretical, Economic, Aesthetic, Social, Political, Religious (based on Spranger 1928).
Q 11 UNEP Easy

UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) was created in:

  • A1948
  • B1972
  • C1987
  • D1992
View solution
Correct Option: B
UNEP created at Stockholm 1972; HQ Nairobi.
Q 12 Brundtland Medium

"Our Common Future" (1987) by the Brundtland Commission introduced the term:

  • AEnvironmental Education
  • BSustainable Development
  • CBiosphere Reserve
  • DClimate Change
View solution
Correct Option: B
Sustainable Development = "meets needs of present without compromising future".
Q 13 ESD Medium

The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) was:

  • A1995-2004
  • B2000-2010
  • C2005-2014
  • D2015-2024
View solution
Correct Option: C
2005-2014, led by UNESCO. Followed by ESD for 2030.
Q 14 Article 51A(g) Medium

Article 51A(g) of the Constitution casts on every citizen the duty to:

  • ADefend the country
  • BProtect and improve the natural environment
  • CSafeguard public property
  • DDevelop scientific temper
View solution
Correct Option: B
Art. 51A(g) — protect environment, forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife.
Q 15 CEE Hard

The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad, was founded in 1984 by:

  • AVikram Sarabhai
  • BKartikeya Sarabhai
  • CM.S. Swaminathan
  • DAnil Agarwal
View solution
Correct Option: B
Kartikeya Sarabhai, 1984; recognised by MoEFCC.
Q 16 Sathya Sai Medium

The "5 universal human values" widely cited in Indian value education are:

  • AJustice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Secularism
  • BTruth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love, Non-violence
  • CHonesty, Discipline, Hard work, Punctuality, Tolerance
  • DFaith, Hope, Charity, Love, Joy
View solution
Correct Option: B
Satya · Dharma · Shanti · Prema · Ahimsa — Sathya Sai 5 / NEP 2020 echo.
Q 17 WHO Hard

WHO (1993) identified how many "life skills" for adolescent education?

  • A5
  • B7
  • C10
  • D12
View solution
Correct Option: C
10 core life skills in 5 pairs (Self-awareness/Empathy, Critical/Creative thinking, Decision-making/Problem-solving, Communication/Interpersonal, Coping emotions/stress).
Q 18 UGC EVS Medium

UGC made Environmental Studies a compulsory undergraduate course in:

  • A1986
  • B1991
  • C2003
  • D2015
View solution
Correct Option: C
UGC EVS compulsory 2003, in response to MC Mehta SC judgment.
Q 19 Mission LiFE Hard

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), proposed by India, was announced at:

  • ACOP21 Paris 2015
  • BCOP25 Madrid 2019
  • CCOP26 Glasgow 2021
  • DCOP28 UAE 2023
View solution
Correct Option: C
Mission LiFE announced at COP26 Glasgow 2021; launched globally Oct 2022.
Q 20 Match Hard

Match conference with year:

(i) Stockholm (a) 1977
(ii) Belgrade Charter (b) 1972
(iii) Tbilisi (c) 1992
(iv) Rio Earth Summit (d) 1975
  • A(i)-b, (ii)-d, (iii)-a, (iv)-c
  • B(i)-a, (ii)-b, (iii)-c, (iv)-d
  • C(i)-c, (ii)-a, (iii)-d, (iv)-b
  • D(i)-d, (ii)-c, (iii)-b, (iv)-a
View solution
Correct Option: A
Stockholm 1972 · Belgrade 1975 · Tbilisi 1977 · Rio 1992.

49.14 Quick Recall

ImportantQuick recall
  • Value Education frameworks: Rokeach 1973 (18 terminal + 18 instrumental) · Allport-Vernon-Lindzey 1931 = 6 (Theo/Econ/Aesth/Soc/Polit/Relig, based on Spranger 1928) · Kohlberg 1958/69 (6 stages in 3 levels) · Raths-Harmin-Simon 1966 Values Clarification · Lickona 1991 Character Ed · Gandhi’s Nai Talim 1937 · Sathya Sai’s 5 values (Satya/Dharma/Shanti/Prema/Ahimsa) · WHO 1993 10 life skills.
  • Indian VBE policy: Radhakrishnan 1948-49 → Mudaliar 1952-53 → Kothari 1964-66 → NPE 1986 §8.4 → POA 1992 → Chavan Committee 1999 (VBE) → NCF 2005 → NEP 2020 / NCF-SE 2023 (Kasturirangan).
  • Constitution & values: Preamble (Justice/Liberty/Equality/Fraternity; Secular/Socialist added 42nd Amdt 1976) · FRs Part III · DPSP Part IV (Art. 36-51) · Art. 48A environment (42nd Amdt 1976) · Fundamental Duties Art. 51A added by 42nd Amdt 1976 on Swaran Singh Committee · originally 10; 11th added by 86th Amdt 2002 · Art. 51A(g) = protect environment.
  • EE — International timeline: IUCN 1948 · “EE” coined Keele 1965 · Biosphere Conf 1968 (UNESCO) · Stockholm 1972 → UNEP + 5 June WED · Belgrade Charter 1975 · Tbilisi 1977 · Brundtland 1987 → Sustainable Development · Rio 1992 → Agenda 21 (Ch 36 EE) + UNFCCC + CBD · Thessaloniki 1997 · Johannesburg 2002 · UN Decade of ESD 2005-2014 · Rio+20 2012 · SDGs 2015 (SDG 4.7) · Paris 2015 Art. 12 · ESD for 2030.
  • EE — India: Art. 48A + 51A(g) via 42nd Amdt 1976 · MC Mehta vs UoI 1991 SC mandated compulsory EE · reiterated 2003 · UGC EVS UG compulsory 2003 · NCERT NCF 2005 / NCF-SE 2023 · MoEFCC EEAT Scheme 1983-84 · NEAC 1986 · CEE Ahmedabad 1984 (Kartikeya Sarabhai) · National Green Corps Eco-Clubs 2001 · GLOBE 1995 · Mission LiFE COP26 Glasgow 2021, global launch Oct 2022 · GREEN UGC 2020.
  • 3 dimensions of EE (Lucas 1972): Education about + in + for the environment.
  • Tbilisi 1977 goals: awareness · knowledge · attitudes · skills · participation.
  • Indian eco-thinkers/movements: Gandhi · Sundarlal Bahuguna (Chipko 1973) · Vandana Shiva (Navdanya) · Salim Ali · Madhav Gadgil (WGEEP 2011) · Anil Agarwal/Sunita Narain (CSE 1980) · R.K. Pachauri (TERI/IPCC 2007 Nobel) · Khoshoo · Bishnoi 1730 Khejarli — Amrita Devi · Appiko 1983 · Silent Valley 1973-85 · NBA 1985 (Medha Patkar, Baba Amte) · Kalam’s PURA.