NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Public Facilities

Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Public Facilities Chapter Overview

This Class 8 civics chapter 9 questions with answers explores the vital role of the government in providing essential services known as public facilities, which include water supply, electricity, healthcare, and public transport. These services are unique because their benefits are shared by many; for instance, a single school educates hundreds of children. The core of the chapter focuses on the idea that access to these facilities is a fundamental right tied to Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring a dignified life for every citizen regardless of their income.

The narrative also addresses the stark inequalities in service distribution, using Chennai as a case study to show how water availability varies between posh localities and slums. It raises critical questions about the role of private companies, the burden of rising costs, and the government's ultimate responsibility to ensure that profit motives do not prevent the poor from accessing basic necessities.

Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Public Facilities Question Answer

Following are the detailed Class 8 civics chapter 9 public facilities NCERT solutions based on the textbook exercises and core concepts:

1. What are public facilities? Why are they important?

Public facilities are essential services provided for the welfare of the people, such as water, healthcare, sanitation, electricity, and schools. They are important because:

• They relate to the basic needs of people.

• Once provided, their benefits can be shared by many (e.g., a park or a library).

• The Constitution recognises them as part of the Right to Life.

2. Why should the government be responsible for public facilities?

The government must take responsibility because private companies operate for profit. Essential services like sanitation or anti-malaria campaigns do not offer profits, so private firms ignore them. Additionally, the government ensures that these services are affordable for the poor, fulfilling the constitutional promise of equality.

3. The government can get private companies to deliver public facilities. Do you agree?

While the government can partner with private firms, it must be done cautiously. In many cases, privatisation leads to:

• A massive hike in prices (e.g., water rates in Bolivia).

• Exclusion of the poor who cannot afford the high costs.

• The government losing direct control over essential service standards.

4. How does the sale of water by farmers to dealers affect the local community?

When farmers sell groundwater to private dealers:

• The local water table drops significantly.

• Drinking water becomes scarce for the villagers.

• Agriculture suffers as there is less water for irrigation.

• Water, a common resource, becomes a commodity sold for profit.

5. Why is there a water crisis in Chennai? Is it the same for everyone?

The water crisis in Chennai is caused by a shortage of municipal supply. However, it is not the same for everyone:

• Anna Nagar: Wealthy residents get regular water and can buy tankers.

• Mylapore: Middle-class residents get water once in two days and use borewells.

• Slums: People have no private taps and wait for hours at common taps for a limited supply.

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6. Where does the government get the money for public facilities?

The primary source of funding is taxes collected from the public. Every year, the government presents a budget in Parliament, detailing how the tax revenue will be spent on infrastructure, health, and education. A small portion also comes from service charges like bus fares or water bills.

7. What does the Constitution say about the Right to Water?

The Constitution of India recognises the Right to Water as a part of the Right to Life under Article 21. This means that every person has the right to sufficient, safe, and affordable water to meet their daily needs.

8. Why is sanitation important in the context of public facilities?

Sanitation is crucial to prevent water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. In India, while many have access to water, proper drainage and toilet facilities are still lacking. The government’s role is to provide these to ensure public health and reduce the medical burden on the poor.

9. Why are private hospitals and schools located mostly in cities?

Private institutions focus on areas where people have high purchasing power. Cities offer:

• A large population of wealthy residents.

• Better infrastructure like roads and 24-hour electricity.

• Availability of skilled professionals who prefer urban living.

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10. Write a short note on the shortage of public transport.

In most Indian cities, the number of buses is insufficient for the growing population. This leads to overcrowding and forces people to use private vehicles, which increases pollution and traffic congestion. The government needs to invest more in public transport, like the Metro and low-cost bus services, to make commuting easier for everyone.

11. What do you understand by the term “Right to Life”?

The Right to Life is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. It means that every person has the right to live with dignity and access necessities such as clean drinking water, healthcare, sanitation, food, shelter, and education. Public facilities are directly connected to this right because they help citizens maintain a safe and healthy life.

12. Explain the role of the government in providing healthcare facilities.

Healthcare is one of the most important public facilities. The government establishes hospitals, dispensaries, vaccination centres, and health campaigns to protect public health. Government hospitals provide treatment at low or no cost so that even poor families can access medical care. Programmes for disease prevention, sanitation, and awareness are also organised to improve the overall health of society.

13. What is the importance of safe drinking water?

Safe drinking water is essential for human survival and public health. Contaminated water can spread diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Clean water improves hygiene, reduces medical expenses, and supports a healthier lifestyle. Since water is necessary for every citizen, the government must ensure an adequate and safe supply for all communities.

14. Why are public facilities mostly funded through taxes?

Public facilities are created for the benefit of all citizens, including people who may not be able to afford private services. The government collects taxes from individuals and businesses and uses this money to build roads, schools, hospitals, water pipelines, and transport systems. Tax funding ensures that essential services remain affordable and accessible to everyone instead of becoming profit-driven services.

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15. What problems arise when public facilities are privatised?

Privatisation often increases the cost of essential services because private companies focus on earning profits. As prices rise, poor families may lose access to basic needs such as water, electricity, or healthcare. In some countries, privatisation has also led to protests because people felt that common resources were being controlled for commercial gain instead of public welfare.

16. Explain the Bolivia water struggle mentioned in the chapter.

The chapter refers to the example of Bolivia, where the government handed over water supply services to a private company. Soon after privatisation, water prices increased sharply, making it difficult for ordinary people to afford water. Citizens organised large protests against the decision, forcing the government to cancel the contract. This example highlights the dangers of treating water purely as a business commodity.

Class 8 Civics Chapter 9 Public Facilities Question Answer Key Takeaways

• Shared Benefits: Public facilities like schools and electricity grids are designed to benefit the entire community at once.

• Article 21: The Right to Life includes access to clean water, health, and a safe environment.

• Government Funding: Taxes are the backbone of public service delivery; the government is accountable for how this money is spent.

• Inequality Gap: Access to basic needs is often determined by wealth rather than right, which is a major challenge for the Indian administration.

• Sustainability: Over-extraction of resources like groundwater by private players threatens the long-term availability of public facilities.

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