Chapter 7: Public Facilities
Introduction to Public Facilities
Role of the Government: The government is responsible for providing essential facilities like water, healthcare, sanitation, electricity, public transport, schools, and colleges.
Importance: Public facilities support fundamental rights and meet the basic needs of all citizens, including the right to water, health, and education under the Right to Life.
Water as a Public Facility
2.1 Water Supply in Chennai
Inequalities in Access: Wealthier areas in Chennai have better water access, while slum areas face severe shortages.
Impact on Different Communities: Wealthier citizens manage with private sources like borewells and tankers, whereas poorer communities face long waits and limited access to clean water.
2.2 Right to Water
Legal Recognition: The right to water is part of the Right to Life (Article 21) in the Indian Constitution, emphasizing universal access to clean and affordable water.
Government’s Role and Funding
3.1 Responsibility of the Government
Essential Role: The government ensures equitable access to facilities. Profit-driven private companies often fail to provide affordable, universal access to these services.
Funding Public Facilities: Revenue from taxes and government budgets funds infrastructure and distribution for water, electricity, sanitation, and more.
3.2 Involving Private Companies
Government Contracts: Sometimes, the government contracts private companies to build roads or supply water. However, the government must monitor them to ensure fair pricing and equal access.
Challenges in Providing Water
4.1 Inequality in Water Distribution
Dependence on Private Sources: Wealthier individuals rely on private water sources, but the poor have limited options, leading to health risks and social inequality.
Rural Water Scarcity: Rural areas, especially those near cities, face water shortages as water is diverted to urban centers.
4.2 Private Sector Impact
Farmers Selling Water: In Chennai, farmers sell groundwater to water companies, affecting rural water availability and lowering groundwater levels.
Solutions and Alternatives
5.1 International Models
Public Water Supply in Porto Alegre, Brazil: The city achieved universal water access with low rates and public accountability, showing government-led solutions can be effective.
5.2 Successes in India
Examples from Indian Cities: Cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad have implemented successful public water systems through government initiatives and private contracts regulated by the government.
Extending Public Facilities
6.1 Sanitation and Health
Sanitation in India: Access to sanitation remains low, with NGOs like Sulabh working to provide affordable toilets, especially for low-income populations.
6.2 Public Transport and Infrastructure
Metro Projects vs. Public Buses: Investments in metro projects in cities are debated, as upgrading public buses may be a more efficient solution in some areas.
Conclusion
Equity in Public Facilities: The government is obligated to provide equitable access to all basic facilities. While private companies can supplement efforts, universal access requires government oversight and support.
Discussion Questions and Activities
Questions: Topics on government responsibility, water pricing, and the impact of private sector involvement in public services.
Activities: Research on local public facilities, comparing the distribution of amenities, and assessing improvement needs in local infrastructure.
