The National Productivity Council has been appointed as the Environment Audit Designated Agency under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025. The agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change gives NPC responsibility for managing the environmental audit framework across India. The move is aimed at strengthening compliance with environmental laws, improving transparency and standardising audit practices.
Environment Audit Framework
The new framework is designed to support compliance with key environmental laws and rules. These include the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Water Act, 1974; Air Act, 1981; Forest Conservation law; and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It will also help monitor compliance with approvals such as Environmental Clearance, Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate.
Role of National Productivity Council
As the designated agency, NPC will manage the overall audit system. Its functions include:
- Setting eligibility criteria for environmental auditors.
- Conducting examinations and certification processes.
- Registering auditors and maintaining their records.
- Monitoring performance and taking disciplinary action where needed.
- Developing digital systems for audit-related processes.
Certified and Registered Auditors
The framework introduces two categories of professionals – Certified Environmental Auditors and Registered Environmental Auditors. NPC will certify auditors, register eligible professionals, and handle renewal, suspension or cancellation of authorisation. It will also maintain an online public register of all certified and registered auditors.
Capacity Building and Governance
NPC will support implementation through training programmes, workshops, seminars and online courses. The agency will also issue guidelines and standards for audit functioning. With its nationwide presence and experience in productivity and sustainability, NPC is expected to help improve monitoring, reporting accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026