Consider the following statements regarding the private sector's role in public facilities: 1. Private companies are legally prohibited from providing water tankers or sealed bottles. 2. Private facilities are usually available at a price that only some people can afford. 3. The private sector plays a role in providing sanitation infrastructure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Public facilities, such as water supply and sanitation, are essential services required for a decent standard of living. While the Constitution (through the 73rd and 74th Amendments) mandates local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities) to provide these services, the private sector also operates in this domain to bridge gaps in state provision. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Private companies are not legally prohibited from providing water. In fact, the private sector is extensively involved in the water market, supplying water through tankers and sealed bottles, particularly in areas where the municipal supply is irregular or insufficient. - Statement 2 is Correct. Private entities operate primarily for profit. Therefore, the facilities provided by them (such as bottled water or private tankers) are usually priced at market rates. This pricing structure often makes these services affordable only to a section of the population, excluding the poor who rely on subsidized public supply. - Statement 3 is Correct. The private sector and civil society organizations play a recognized role in sanitation infrastructure. For instance, organizations like Sulabh International construct and maintain public toilet complexes (often on a pay-and-use basis) through contracts with municipalities to improve urban sanitation. Key Takeaway: While the primary responsibility for public facilities lies with the government to ensure universal access and affordability, the private sector supplements these efforts, often catering to those who can afford market prices.

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 5: Public Facilities

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Consider the following statements regarding the private sector's role in public facilities:

Private companies are legally prohibited from providing water tankers or sealed bottles.
Private facilities are usually available at a price that only some people can afford.
The private sector plays a role in providing sanitation infrastructure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Public facilities, such as water supply and sanitation, are essential services required for a decent standard of living. While the Constitution (through the 73rd and 74th Amendments) mandates local governments (Panchayats and Municipalities) to provide these services, the private sector also operates in this domain to bridge gaps in state provision.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Private companies are not legally prohibited from providing water. In fact, the private sector is extensively involved in the water market, supplying water through tankers and sealed bottles, particularly in areas where the municipal supply is irregular or insufficient.
Statement 2 is Correct. Private entities operate primarily for profit. Therefore, the facilities provided by them (such as bottled water or private tankers) are usually priced at market rates. This pricing structure often makes these services affordable only to a section of the population, excluding the poor who rely on subsidized public supply.
Statement 3 is Correct. The private sector and civil society organizations play a recognized role in sanitation infrastructure. For instance, organizations like Sulabh International construct and maintain public toilet complexes (often on a pay-and-use basis) through contracts with municipalities to improve urban sanitation.

Key Takeaway:
While the primary responsibility for public facilities lies with the government to ensure universal access and affordability, the private sector supplements these efforts, often catering to those who can afford market prices.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Public Facilities

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the 'Right to Water' and the Constitution of India?

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With reference to the judicial interpretation of the Right to Life in the context of water, consider the following 1. The right entitles every person to sufficient water for domestic use. 2. The water provided must be physically accessible and affordable. 3. The state is not obligated to prevent the contamination of water sources by private industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following assertions regarding 'Public Facilities': 1. Once a public facility is provided, its benefits can be shared by many people simultaneously. 2. The construction of a school or the supply of electricity are examples of facilities where the benefit is restricted to a single user. 3. Public facilities are essential services provided solely by the private sector in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the role of the government in the economy: 1. The government plays a central role in regulating economic activities through laws. 2. The government has no role in the enforcement of laws concerning working conditions in private factories. 3. The government is responsible for ensuring that public facilities are made available to everyone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following best defines the concept of 'Universal Access' in the context of public facilities?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 5: Public Facilities

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Private companies are not legally prohibited from providing water. In fact, the private sector is extensively involved in the water market, supplying water through tankers and sealed bottles, particularly in areas where the municipal supply is irregular or insufficient.
Statement 2 is Correct. Private entities operate primarily for profit. Therefore, the facilities provided by them (such as bottled water or private tankers) are usually priced at market rates. This pricing structure often makes these services affordable only to a section of the population, excluding the poor who rely on subsidized public supply.
Statement 3 is Correct. The private sector and civil society organizations play a recognized role in sanitation infrastructure. For instance, organizations like Sulabh International construct and maintain public toilet complexes (often on a pay-and-use basis) through contracts with municipalities to improve urban sanitation.