Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 9 Practice Question Answers - Public Facilities

Q1: Public facilities are provided and maintained by:
(a) Private individuals
(b) Government and local bodies
(c) International organizations
(d) Religious institutions
Ans: (b)
Public facilities such as roads, schools, hospitals, water supply, and sanitation are typically provided and maintained by government authorities and local bodies to ensure equitable access to essential services for all citizens.

Q2: Which of the following is an example of a community-owned public facility?
(a) Private school
(b) Shopping mall
(c) Government hospital
(d) Exclusive club
Ans: (c)
A government hospital is a community-owned public facility that provides medical services to all citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic background, and is managed by the government to ensure accessibility to healthcare services.

Q3: What is the primary purpose of public facilities in a society?
(a) To generate profit for private entities
(b) To provide exclusive services to the elite
(c) To ensure equitable access to essential services
(d) To promote competition among citizens
Ans: (c)
The primary purpose of public facilities is to ensure that essential services such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and transportation are accessible to all members of society, regardless of their economic status.

Q4: Which government agency is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads in a city?
(a) Ministry of Transport
(b) Local Residents' Association
(c) Municipal Corporation
(d) Chamber of Commerce
Ans: (c) Municipal Corporation
The Municipal Corporation is a local government agency responsible for urban administration, which includes tasks like construction and maintenance of roads, waste management, water supply, and other public services.

Q5: The process of reserving a certain percentage of seats for economically weaker sections in educational institutions is known as:
(a) Privatization
(b) Globalization
(c) Reservation
(d) Privilege
Ans: (c)
Reservation is the process of allocating a certain percentage of seats or opportunities for marginalized or economically weaker sections of society, ensuring their access to education, jobs, and other public facilities.

Q6: Explain the concept of public facilities and provide two examples.
Ans: Public facilities refer to essential services and amenities provided by the government and local bodies for the welfare of the entire community. These services ensure equitable access to basic needs. Two examples are:

• Public Schools: Government-funded schools that provide education to children from various socio-economic backgrounds, aiming to promote literacy and knowledge.
• Public Parks: Green spaces maintained by the local authorities where people can relax, exercise, and enjoy recreational activities.

Q7: How does the provision of public facilities contribute to social equality?
Ans: The provision of public facilities ensures that essential services are available to all members of society, irrespective of their economic status. This promotes social equality by:

• Eliminating Disparities: Public facilities bridge the gap between the privileged and underprivileged, offering everyone equal access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and more.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Facilities like government schools and hospitals cater to diverse sections of society, ensuring that marginalized groups also benefit.
• Reducing Discrimination: Equitable access to facilities reduces discrimination based on economic background, enhancing social cohesion and harmony.

Q8: What are the responsibilities of local bodies in maintaining public facilities?
Ans: Local bodies are responsible for managing and maintaining various public facilities within their jurisdiction. Their responsibilities include:

• Construction and Maintenance: Building and repairing roads, schools, hospitals, and other facilities.
• Waste Management: Ensuring proper garbage collection and disposal to maintain cleanliness.
• Water Supply and Sanitation: Providing clean drinking water and sanitation services for public health.
• Urban Planning: Managing city infrastructure and ensuring orderly development.
• Ensuring Access: Making facilities accessible to all sections of society, including marginalized groups.

Q9: Describe the concept of "public-private partnership" (PPP) in relation to public facilities.
Ans: A public-private partnership (PPP) is a collaboration between government bodies and private entities to develop, operate, and maintain public facilities. In PPP projects, the government and private sector share responsibilities and resources, leveraging each other's strengths. For instance, a private company might construct and manage a toll road, while the government ensures regulatory oversight and quality control.

Q10: How does the reservation of seats for economically weaker sections in educational institutions promote social inclusivity?
Ans: The reservation of seats for economically weaker sections in educational institutions ensures that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to quality education. This promotes social inclusivity by:

• Reducing Disparities: Reservations offer equal educational opportunities to all, regardless of economic status.
• Empowering Marginalized Groups: It uplifts underprivileged sections by providing a pathway for upward mobility.
• Fostering Diversity: A diverse student body enhances the overall learning experience and exposes students to different perspectives.

Q11: Describe the significance of public facilities in promoting social equality and well-being.
Ans: Public facilities play a crucial role in promoting social equality and well-being by ensuring that essential services are accessible to all members of society, irrespective of their socio-economic background. These facilities encompass services like healthcare, education, sanitation, transportation, and more. They contribute to reducing disparities and creating a level playing field. For instance, free or subsidized education ensures that even economically disadvantaged individuals can access quality education, enhancing their future prospects. Similarly, healthcare facilities prevent health-related inequalities and contribute to a healthier population. In essence, public facilities foster inclusivity and uplift the overall standard of living.

Q12: Discuss the factors that influence the quality of public facilities in a country.
Ans: The quality of public facilities in a country is influenced by various factors. Economic factors play a significant role, as a strong economy allows for more investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Government policies and funding allocation also impact the quality. Transparent governance and efficient utilization of resources lead to better facilities. Societal awareness and demand for improved facilities drive authorities to prioritize development. Urbanization rates affect the demand for facilities, often requiring better planning and implementation. Additionally, collaborations between government bodies and private organizations can enhance the quality of public facilities by combining expertise and resources.

Q13: Examine the challenges faced in ensuring equitable access to public facilities in rural areas.
Ans: Equitable access to public facilities in rural areas is marred by several challenges. Limited financial resources in rural regions often result in inadequate funding for infrastructure and services. Geographical barriers, such as difficult terrain and lack of connectivity, hinder the establishment and maintenance of facilities. Additionally, there's a shortage of skilled professionals in remote areas, affecting the quality of healthcare and education. Awareness and literacy levels might be low, leading to underutilization of available facilities. Overcoming these challenges requires targeted policies, increased investments, improved transportation, and awareness campaigns to ensure that rural populations benefit from public facilities.

Q14: Elaborate on the role of citizen participation in the maintenance and improvement of public facilities.
Ans: Citizen participation plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and improvement of public facilities. Engaged citizens act as watchdogs, holding authorities accountable for the quality of services. Their feedback highlights issues that need attention. Through community-driven initiatives, citizens can contribute to the upkeep of local facilities. For example, residents can participate in cleanliness drives or volunteer at schools and healthcare centers. Furthermore, citizen feedback aids policymakers in understanding ground-level challenges and refining policies. By actively participating, citizens become stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the sustained betterment of public facilities.

Q15: Explain the concept of 'Right to Public Facilities' and its significance in a democratic society.
Ans: The 'Right to Public Facilities' refers to the fundamental entitlement of every individual to access essential services provided by the government, such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and transportation. In a democratic society, this right is integral as it ensures social justice and inclusivity. It empowers citizens by providing them with opportunities for growth and development regardless of their background. The 'Right to Public Facilities' upholds the principle of equality, preventing discrimination based on socio-economic factors. Moreover, it strengthens the social fabric by promoting a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, ultimately contributing to the overall progress and harmony of the nation.