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Securing Social Equality through Fundamental Rights and Public Facilities

December 1, 2023 579 0

Public Facility a way to social equality

Access to public facilities is not just a convenience; it is a vital component of upholding the basic human rights, social equality that underpin a fair and democratic society.

Water Crisis and Social equality: Inequalities, Challenges, and Role of Private Companies

  • Water Crisis in Indian Cities: Thirsty Cities and Exploring Water Crisis, Private Sector Intervention, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Indian Urban Centers:
    • Common Scenario: Shortages and crisis during summer months are prevalent in many Indian cities, not limited to Chennai.
    • Private Companies’ Role: Private companies are stepping in to fill the gap in municipal water supply, often for profit.
    • Inequalities in Water Use: Wide disparities exist in water consumption among different groups within cities.
  • Water Disparities: Examining Varied Consumption Patterns in Urban Settings, from Recommended Supply to Slums and Luxury Hotels:
    • Recommended Supply: Urban areas should have around 135 liters (about seven buckets) of water per person per day.
    • Slum Dwellers: People in slums receive less than 20 liters (one bucket) per person per day.
    • Luxury Hotels: People in luxury hotels may consume as much as 1,600 liters (80 buckets) of water daily.
  • Navigating Water Governance: Assessing Government Shortcomings, Privatization Debates, and Private Companies’ Performance:
    • Perceived Government Failure: Shortage of municipal water is often seen as a government failure to ensure social equality.
    • Privatization Argument: Some suggest allowing private companies to take over water supply due to the government’s inability to meet water demands and financial constraints.
    • Private Companies’ Performance: Supporters of privatization believe that private companies could perform better in supplying water and will bridge social equality

Case Study: Water Supply Success in Porto Alegre, Brazil

  • City Profile: Porto Alegre, a city in Brazil, stands out with a lower number of infant deaths compared to many global cities despite its poverty.
  • Universal Access to Safe Water:
    • Key Achievement: Porto Alegre’s water department has achieved universal access to safe water.
    • Impact on Infant Mortality: This accomplishment significantly contributes to lower infant mortality rates in the city.
  • Affordable Water for All:
    • Low Average Price: The average price of water in the city is kept low.
    • Reduced Rates for the Poor: The water department charges the poor half the basic rate, ensuring affordability for all citizens.
  • Profit Reinvestment:
    • Utilization of Profits: The department uses its profits to enhance and expand the water supply infrastructure.
    • Benefit to Citizens: Reinvested profits lead to improved water services and quality for the residents.
  • Transparency and Participation:
    • Transparent Operations: The water department’s operations are characterized by transparency.
    • Direct Citizen Involvement: Citizens have the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making.
    • Public Meetings: Through public meetings, citizens engage with managers, understand projects, and cast votes on priorities.

Extending Sanitation Facilities

 

Extending Sanitation Facilities

“‘Latrines for us!’ they exclaimed in astonishment. ‘We go and perform our functions out in the open.’ Latrines are for you big people.” 

Mahatma Gandhi recounting untouchables’ grievances, Rajkot Sanitation Committee, 1896.

Sanitation is crucial in preventing water-borne diseases and maintaining public health.

  • Sanitation Challenge in India:
  • Lower Coverage than Water: Sanitation coverage in India is even lower than that of safe drinking water.
  • Access to Sanitation in India:
    • 2011 Figures: Official data from 2011 indicates that 53% of Indian households have access to sanitation facilities.
    • Urban-Rural Disparities: Both rural and urban areas face lack of access to sanitation, disproportionately affecting the poor.
  • Role of Sulabh NGO:
    • Background: Sulabh, a non-government organization, has worked for nearly five decades to address sanitation challenges faced by low-caste and low-income individuals in India.
    • Contribution: Sulabh has constructed over 8,500 community toilet blocks and 1.5 million household toilets, benefiting around 20 million people.
    • Focus on the Poor: The majority of Sulabh’s beneficiaries are from the economically disadvantaged working class.
  • Collaboration with Local Authorities:
    • Partnerships with Local Authorities: Sulabh partners with municipalities and local authorities to construct toilet blocks using government funds.
    • Funding and Land Contribution: Local authorities provide funding and land for these projects, while maintenance costs may be covered by user charges (e.g., city latrine usage charge of ₹2).
  • Positive Impact on Public Health:
    • Improved Sanitation: Sulabh’s efforts contribute to improved sanitation infrastructure, reducing health risks and enhancing the quality of life for marginalized communities.

Conclusion

  • Legacy of Rights: From Jotirao Phuley to Constitutional Safeguards – Upholding Freedom, Social equality in Democratic Governance
  • In the writings of Jotirao Phuley (1827-1890), a radical social reformer from Maharashtra, one can see the earliest expressions of the view that rights include both freedom and Social equality. 
    • During the national movement, this idea of Social equality and rights was further sharpened and expanded to constitutional rights. 
    • Our Constitution reflected this long tradition and listed the fundamental rights. 
    • Since 1950, the judiciary has functioned as an important protector of Social rights and promoter of social equality
    • Judicial interpretations have expanded the scope of rights in many respects. 
    • The government and administration of our country function within this overall framework.
    • Rights enforce limitations on the functioning of the government and ensure democratic governance of the country.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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