Extra 20 important long-answer questions with answers from Chapter 7: Public Facilities of Class 8 Civics (CBSE):-
1. What are public facilities? Why are they important?
Answer:
Definition
– Public facilities are essential services provided by the government for the welfare of all citizens.
Examples
– Water supply, sanitation, healthcare, education, electricity, and transport.
Ensures Basic Needs
– Helps people access clean water, schools, and hospitals.
Reduces Inequality
– Available to everyone, rich or poor.
Boosts Economic Growth
– Well-maintained infrastructure improves productivity.
Example
– Government schools and hospitals help those who cannot afford private services.
2. Why should the government provide public facilities?
Answer:
Essential for Life
– Services like clean water and healthcare are basic human rights.
Prevents Exploitation
– Ensures services are affordable and accessible to all.
Promotes Equality
– Helps bridge the gap between rich and poor.
Encourages Development
– Infrastructure like roads and electricity boost economic growth.
Protects Public Health
– Safe drinking water and sanitation prevent diseases.
Example
– The government builds public toilets to improve sanitation in rural areas.
3. How does the right to water relate to public facilities?
Answer:
Water is a Fundamental Right
– The Supreme Court declared it part of the Right to Life (Article 21).
Government Responsibility
– Must ensure clean and safe drinking water for all.
Prevents Water Scarcity
– Proper management helps in areas facing shortages.
Reduces Waterborne Diseases
– Clean water supply prevents cholera and diarrhea.
Supports Agriculture and Industries
– Necessary for irrigation and manufacturing.
Example
– Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water to every household.
4. Why is public transportation an important public facility?
Answer:
Affordable Travel
– Helps people commute at a lower cost.
Reduces Traffic and Pollution
– Fewer private vehicles mean less congestion.
Saves Energy
– Public transport is more fuel-efficient than private cars.
Connects Rural and Urban Areas
– Helps people access jobs, schools, and hospitals.
Ensures Safety
– Well-maintained public transport reduces accidents.
Example
– Delhi Metro provides a clean and efficient transportation system.
5. How does the government ensure water supply in urban areas?
Answer:
Water Treatment Plants
– Purify river and groundwater before distribution.
Pipelines and Reservoirs
– Store and supply water to homes and industries.
Municipal Water Boards
– Local authorities manage water distribution.
Rainwater Harvesting
– Encouraged to conserve water.
Regulation of Private Water Supply
– Prevents overcharging by private companies.
Example
– Chennai promotes rainwater harvesting to tackle water shortages.
6. How does unequal access to public facilities affect society?
Answer:
Creates Inequality
– Poor people suffer due to lack of services.
Increases Health Issues
– Lack of sanitation and clean water leads to diseases.
Limits Education and Employment
– Without schools and transport, people struggle to get jobs.
Encourages Migration
– People move to cities for better facilities.
Weakens Economic Growth
– A society without basic services cannot progress.
Example
– Villages without electricity face difficulties in education and business.
7. What is the role of the government in providing healthcare facilities?
Answer:
Builds Hospitals and Clinics
– Ensures medical care for all citizens.
Free or Low-Cost Treatment
– Helps poor people afford medical services.
Vaccination Programs
– Protects against diseases like polio and COVID-19.
Training Doctors and Nurses
– Ensures enough medical professionals.
Health Awareness Campaigns
– Educates people on hygiene and nutrition.
Example
– Ayushman Bharat scheme provides free healthcare to poor families.
8. How do private companies affect the availability of public facilities?
Answer:
Profit-Oriented
– Focus on earning money rather than public welfare.
Expensive Services
– High costs make them unaffordable for the poor.
Limited Reach
– Private companies serve only urban areas.
Less Accountability
– No obligation to serve everyone.
Government Regulation Needed
– To prevent exploitation and ensure fair pricing.
Example
– Private water tankers charge high prices in water-scarce areas.
9. What are the challenges in providing public facilities?
Answer:
Lack of Funds
– Government needs more resources to expand facilities.
Growing Population
– Increased demand puts pressure on services.
Mismanagement and Corruption
– Leads to poor service delivery.
Pollution and Overuse
– Depletes natural resources like water and forests.
Unequal Distribution
– Rural areas get fewer facilities than cities.
Example
– Many villages still lack proper sanitation and clean drinking water.
10. How can citizens help improve public facilities?
Answer:
Use Resources Wisely
– Save water, electricity, and public transport.
Participate in Community Programs
– Help maintain public spaces.
Report Issues
– Inform authorities about broken roads or water leaks.
Follow Government Policies
– Support conservation and cleanliness drives.
Raise Awareness
– Educate others about the importance of public facilities.
Example
– People participating in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to improve sanitation.
11. How does sanitation affect public health?
Answer:
Prevents Diseases
– Poor sanitation leads to cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid.
Reduces Infant Mortality
– Clean environments lower child death rates.
Improves Quality of Life
– Clean surroundings promote better living conditions.
Encourages Economic Growth
– Healthy people contribute more to the economy.
Government Initiatives
– Programs like
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
improve sanitation.
Example
– Open defecation-free villages have seen better health and hygiene.
12. What is the role of local governments in providing public facilities?
Answer:
Maintains Water Supply
– Ensures drinking water for residents.
Manages Waste Disposal
– Keeps cities and villages clean.
Provides Health Services
– Runs primary healthcare centers and vaccination drives.
Improves Roads and Transport
– Builds and repairs roads for better connectivity.
Overseas Education
– Manages government schools and midday meal schemes.
Example
– Municipal corporations provide free drinking water in slum areas.
13. How does electricity as a public facility impact daily life?
Answer:
Improves Living Standards
– Enables the use of appliances and lighting.
Boosts Economic Activities
– Factories and businesses rely on electricity.
Enhances Education
– Students can study after sunset.
Supports Healthcare
– Hospitals need power for medical equipment.
Encourages Digital Development
– Internet and communication require electricity.
Example
– Rural electrification has improved village productivity and education.
14. What are some government schemes for improving public facilities in rural areas?
Answer:
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
– Builds roads to connect villages.
Jal Jeevan Mission
– Provides clean drinking water to rural homes.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
– Promotes sanitation and builds toilets.
Saubhagya Scheme
– Ensures electricity for all rural households.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana
– Provides free healthcare to poor families.
Example
– Many villages now have toilets, reducing open defecation.
15. How does the Right to Education Act ensure access to schooling?
Answer:
Free and Compulsory Education
– Ensures schooling for children aged 6-14.
Government Schools
– Provides free education to underprivileged students.
Reservation for Marginalized Groups
– Seats for SC/ST and economically weaker sections.
Midday Meal Scheme
– Provides free meals to improve attendance.
School Infrastructure
– Ensures clean classrooms, toilets, and libraries.
Example
– More children, especially girls, are now attending school regularly.
16. What are the environmental impacts of overusing public resources?
Answer:
Water Scarcity
– Excessive groundwater usage leads to depletion.
Deforestation
– Overuse of timber and land affects ecosystems.
Pollution Increase
– Overconsumption leads to air, water, and land pollution.
Loss of Biodiversity
– Endangered species due to habitat destruction.
Climate Change
– Uncontrolled use of coal and oil increases global warming.
Example
– Overuse of river water leads to drying up of major water bodies.
17. How does road infrastructure contribute to economic development?
Answer:
Improves Connectivity
– Better roads link villages to cities.
Boosts Trade
– Faster transportation of goods and services.
Creates Employment
– Road construction and maintenance generate jobs.
Encourages Tourism
– Well-built roads attract tourists.
Supports Agriculture
– Farmers can transport crops easily.
Example
– Expressways have boosted business and travel efficiency.
18. What are the differences between public and private healthcare services?
Answer:
Differences between public and private healthcare services:
1. Ownership & Management
Public Healthcare
– Owned and managed by the
government
.
Private Healthcare
– Owned and managed by
individuals, trusts, or companies
.
2. Objective
Public Healthcare
– Aims to provide
affordable or free
healthcare to all, especially the poor.
Private Healthcare
– Focuses on
profit-making
and high-quality medical services.
3. Cost of Treatment
Public Healthcare
– Low-cost or
free
services, funded by taxes.
Private Healthcare
– Expensive, as patients must
pay directly
or through insurance.
4. Infrastructure & Facilities
Public Healthcare
– Often
overcrowded
, with fewer resources and long waiting times.
Private Healthcare
– Better
infrastructure, equipment, and shorter wait times
.
5. Availability of Doctors & Staff
Public Healthcare
–
Limited staff
and doctors, often overburdened.
Private Healthcare
– More doctors and nurses, with better
patient care
.
6. Accessibility
Public Healthcare
– Available in
rural and urban areas
, but with fewer facilities.
Private Healthcare
– Mostly in
cities and towns
, with modern facilities.
7. Quality of Services
Public Healthcare
– Basic healthcare, sometimes lacks quality due to staff shortages.
Private Healthcare
– High-quality treatment with
advanced medical technology
.
8. Examples
Public Healthcare
– Government hospitals, Primary Health Centers (PHCs), AIIMS.
Private Healthcare
– Apollo, Fortis, private clinics, nursing homes.
19. How can technology improve the availability of public facilities?
Answer:
Smart Water Management
– Sensors detect leaks and prevent wastage.
Online Education
– Digital classrooms help students in remote areas.
Telemedicine
– Virtual doctor consultations improve healthcare access.
Renewable Energy
– Solar and wind power improve electricity supply.
E-Governance
– Online portals allow citizens to apply for public services easily.
Example
– Digital payment for electricity and water bills saves time.
20. Why is it important to maintain public spaces like parks and libraries?
Answer:
Promotes Community Interaction
– Brings people together.
Encourages Healthy Lifestyles
– Parks offer space for exercise.
Supports Education
– Libraries provide free access to books.
Preserves the Environment
– Green spaces improve air quality.
Boosts Tourism and Economy
– Well-maintained public places attract visitors.
Example
– Public gardens like Lodhi Garden in Delhi improve city life.
