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CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities

Here we have provided CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities for the ease of students so that they can prepare better for their exams.
authorImageAnanya Gupta30 Aug, 2024
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CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9

CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9: Here are the notes for CBSE Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 on Public Facilities. This chapter explains the important services and infrastructure provided by the government that are crucial for the well-being of citizens.

It discusses the importance of access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, public transport, and healthcare, highlighting how these facilities contribute to a better quality of life. The chapter also examines the challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of public facilities and the role of the government in addressing these issues.

CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities Overview

These notes are prepared by subject experts of Physics Wallah provide an overview of CBSE Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Public Facilities. They cover the essential aspects of public facilities, such as water, sanitation, electricity, and healthcare and explain their significance in improving the quality of life for citizens.

The notes also discuss the government's role in ensuring that these facilities are accessible to all, addressing issues of inequality and the challenges faced in their distribution. This overview helps students grasp the critical concepts and understand the importance of public facilities in a democratic society.

CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 PDF

The PDF link for CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities is available below. These notes provide a detailed understanding of the chapter highlighting the importance of essential services like water, electricity, and healthcare in ensuring a decent quality of life for all citizens. This resource is invaluable for students preparing for exams providing a clear explanations and key insights into the topic.

CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities PDF

CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities

Below we have provided CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities-

Water and the People of Chennai

The water situation in Chennai varies significantly across different areas, reflecting the inequality in access to this essential resource. In Anna Nagar, residents enjoy a regular water supply, and even in times of scarcity, they can easily arrange for a water tanker. This contrasts sharply with Mylapore, where water is available only every two days, and the borewell water is brackish, forcing residents to rely on expensive water tankers for their needs. The situation worsens in areas like Madipakkam, where water is available only every four days, and in the Saidapet Slum, where 30 hutments share a single tap, receiving water for just 20 minutes twice a day. These disparities highlight the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing basic public facilities like water.

Water as Part of the Fundamental Right to Life

Water is essential for sustaining life and maintaining good health. Safe drinking water is crucial in preventing water-related diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera, which tragically claim the lives of over 1,600 Indians every day, many of whom are children under the age of five. Access to clean water is not just a basic necessity; it is also a fundamental right enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life. This right ensures that every individual, regardless of their economic status, has access to sufficient and affordable water to meet their daily needs. The courts, including both the High Courts and the Supreme Court, have affirmed that the right to safe drinking water is a fundamental right, reinforcing the principle that universal access to water is a critical aspect of human dignity and survival.

Public Facilities

In addition to water, other essential public facilities provided to everyone include healthcare and sanitation, which are vital for maintaining public health and hygiene. Access to electricity, public transport, and educational institutions such as schools and colleges is also crucial for the overall development and well-being of a community. A key characteristic of public facilities is their ability to serve multiple people simultaneously; once these facilities are made available, they can benefit many individuals, contributing to the collective welfare of society.

The Government’s Role

The government plays a crucial role in ensuring that public facilities are accessible to everyone. Unlike private companies, which operate for profit, the government is responsible for providing essential services that may not generate profit but are vital for the well-being of the population. While private entities may be involved in sectors like education and healthcare, they often charge rates that are unaffordable for many. Public facilities are tied to basic human needs, and the government must step in to guarantee these services to all citizens, as part of the Right to Life enshrined in the Constitution.

Where does the government get money for public facilities?

The government funds public facilities through the budget, which is presented annually in Parliament. The budget details the government's expenditures on various programs from the previous year and outlines the planned spending for the upcoming year. This budget is primarily funded by taxes collected from citizens and businesses, as well as other sources of revenue such as duties, fees, and public sector enterprises. By allocating funds through the budget, the government ensures that public facilities like water, healthcare, education, and transportation are provided to meet the needs of the population.

Water Supply to Chennai: Is it Available to All?

The water supply in Chennai highlights the disparity in access to public facilities, particularly affecting those who are economically disadvantaged. While public facilities like water should be available to all, the reality in Chennai shows significant shortages and uneven distribution. Municipal water supply meets only about half of the city's needs, and those living near storage points enjoy a more regular supply than those in distant colonies. The poor bear the brunt of these shortfalls, as they often lack the resources to find alternative water sources. In contrast, the middle class can mitigate water shortages by digging borewells, purchasing tanker water, or relying on bottled water for drinking. Access to safe drinking water has become more of a privilege tied to financial means rather than a universally available public facility. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge of achieving universal and equitable access to essential resources like water.

In Search of Alternatives

The situation in Chennai, where water shortages and unequal distribution are prevalent, is reflective of a broader issue faced by many cities across India. During summer months, the crisis often intensifies, leading to an increased reliance on private companies that sell water for profit. This privatization trend, however, raises concerns about the fairness and affordability of access to water. The Urban Water Commission recommends a daily supply of 135 liters of water per person in urban areas, but this standard is far from being met for everyone. While people in luxury hotels may consume up to 1,600 liters per day, those living in slums often struggle with less than 20 liters. This stark disparity highlights the inadequacies in the current system, where the wealthy have access to ample resources, while the poor are left with minimal provisions. Some argue that the government’s inability to meet the water demand suggests that privatization might be the solution. However, global experiences indicate otherwise. In places where water supply was privatized, such as in Bolivia, the cost of water skyrocketed, leading to widespread protests and eventually forcing governments to reclaim control of the service. In contrast, there are instances where government-run water departments have successfully managed to improve both coverage and financial viability. Cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad have shown that with proper management, public water supply systems can be effective. In Chennai, the government has also taken initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and engaging private companies for water distribution under government regulation. Ultimately, water, along with other essential public facilities, is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. Ensuring that these facilities are provided equitably to all citizens is a primary responsibility of the government. The solution to water shortages does not lie in privatization but in strengthening public systems to ensure that every citizen has access to the basic resources they need to live a dignified life.

Benefits of CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 Public Facilities

  • Comprehensive Understanding: The notes provide a detailed explanation of public facilities, including their types, importance, and the role of the government helping students gain a clear understanding of the subject.
  • Enhanced Knowledge of Government Responsibilities: Students learn about the government's role in providing and managing public facilities, which is important for understanding the principles of governance and public administration.
  • Awareness of Public Services: The notes cover essential public services like water supply, sanitation, healthcare, education, and transportation, ensuring students are well-versed in how these services impact daily life.
  • Insight into Challenges: Understanding the challenges faced in providing public facilities, such as funding issues and inequities, prepares students to discuss and analyze real-world problems related to public services.
  • Exam Preparation: The notes are structured to align with the CBSE curriculum, making it easier for students to prepare for exams by focusing on key concepts and answering exam-style questions effectively.
  • Global and Local Perspectives: The notes provide a balanced view of public facilities both in local contexts (e.g., issues in Chennai) and globally, helping students relate their learning to broader and practical scenarios.

CBSE Class 8 Civics Notes Chapter 9 FAQs

What are public facilities?

Public facilities are services and infrastructure provided by the government to meet the basic needs of the public. These include water supply, healthcare, sanitation, education, electricity, and public transport.

Why are public facilities important?

Public facilities are crucial because they ensure that all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to essential services necessary for a decent quality of life. They support public health, education, and overall well-being.

Who is responsible for providing public facilities?

The government is primarily responsible for providing and maintaining public facilities. This includes both central and state governments, which allocate budgets and implement policies to ensure these services are available to everyone.

How does the government fund public facilities?

The government funds public facilities through various sources such as taxes, government budgets, and grants. These funds are allocated and managed through annual budgets presented in Parliament or state legislatures.

What challenges are faced in providing public facilities?

Challenges include inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, mismanagement, and unequal distribution of services. Disparities in access often exist between urban and rural areas, as well as among different socio-economic groups.
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