Public Facilities, Civics, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

To determine which one of the following options is not a public facility, we need to understand the concept of a public facility and analyze each option.
Public Facility:
A public facility refers to a place or service that is available for public use and is typically funded and maintained by the government or a public entity.
Now let's analyze each option:
A: Water
- Water is a public facility as it is provided to the public through water supply systems, such as water treatment plants and distribution networks.
B: Electricity
- Electricity is also a public facility as it is generated, transmitted, and distributed to the public through power plants and electric grids.
C: House
- A house is not a public facility as it is a private property owned by individuals or organizations. Houses are not generally available for public use.
D: Schools
- Schools are public facilities as they are funded and maintained by the government or public entities. They provide education services to the public.
Answer: C. House
In conclusion, out of the given options, a house is not a public facility. Water, electricity, and schools are examples of public facilities.

The correct answer is A: 6-14 years.
The Right to Education is guaranteed by the Constitution of India. Here is a detailed explanation:
Explanation:
- The Right to Education is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
- Article 21A was added through the 86th Amendment Act, 2002, and it came into effect from 1st April 2010.
- The Right to Education Act, 2009 (also known as RTE Act), further elaborates on the provisions and implementation of this right.
- According to the RTE Act, every child in the age group of 6-14 years has the right to free and compulsory education.
- The Act ensures that children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups are not denied access to education.
- It also lays down various norms and standards for schools to provide quality education to all children.
- The Act emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, gender, religion, etc.
- The government has taken several measures to implement the Right to Education, such as establishing neighborhood schools, providing mid-day meals, and ensuring infrastructure facilities in schools.
Therefore, based on the provisions of the Constitution and the RTE Act, the Right to Education is guaranteed for all children between the ages of 6-14 years.

Waterborne Disease:
- A waterborne disease refers to any illness or infection that is caused by the ingestion or exposure to contaminated water.
- These diseases can be caused by various types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that enter the water supply and can be transmitted to humans.
- Waterborne diseases are a significant public health concern, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and poor water quality.
Identifying the waterborne disease:
To determine which one of the following diseases is a waterborne disease, we need to consider the mode of transmission and the pathogens involved.
- Polio:
- Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is caused by the poliovirus.
- It is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact, mainly through the fecal-oral route.
- While water can serve as a medium for the transmission of poliovirus, it is not considered a waterborne disease. Therefore, option A is incorrect.
- Tuberculosis:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- TB is mainly transmitted through the air, typically when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Waterborne transmission is not a known route for TB, making option B incorrect.
- Dysentery:
- Dysentery is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, usually caused by bacterial or parasitic infection.
- The most common types of dysentery are caused by the bacteria Shigella and the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
- Dysentery can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, making it a waterborne disease. Therefore, option C is correct.
- Measles:
- Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus.
- It is transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
- Waterborne transmission is not associated with measles, so option D is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Dysentery. It is a waterborne disease caused by bacterial or parasitic infection.

Answer:
The most important form of public transport over short distances is the bus. Here is a detailed solution explaining why:
1. Accessibility:
- Buses are easily accessible to the general public as they have numerous stops and routes throughout the city.
- People can board and alight from buses conveniently at designated bus stops.
2. Affordability:
- Buses are generally more affordable compared to other modes of public transport, such as metro rails or cars.
- They offer cost-effective transportation options for individuals who may not have access to private vehicles.
3. Capacity:
- Buses have a higher capacity compared to auto-rickshaws or cars.
- They can accommodate a larger number of passengers, reducing the overall traffic on the roads.
4. Environmental Impact:
- Buses contribute to reducing traffic congestion and pollution levels.
- By encouraging more people to use public transport, the number of private vehicles on the road decreases, resulting in reduced carbon emissions.
5. Infrastructure:
- Bus services require less infrastructure development compared to metro rails or other modes of public transport.
- They can operate on existing road networks, making them a more feasible option for short-distance travel.
6. Flexibility:
- Buses can adapt to changing routes and schedules based on the demand and requirements of the commuters.
- They provide a flexible mode of transport, catering to different destinations within a city.
In conclusion, the bus system is the most important form of public transport over short distances due to its accessibility, affordability, capacity, environmental impact, existing infrastructure, and flexibility. It serves as a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for a large number of people, making it a vital component of urban mobility.

Water Supply Standards in Urban Areas in India
According to the standard set by the urban water commission, the supply of water per person in an urban area in India should be about 135 litres per day.
Explanation:
- The urban water commission in India sets standards and guidelines for the supply of water in urban areas.
- One of the key parameters they consider is the water supply per person per day.
- The standard set by the commission is 135 litres per day.
- This standard ensures that each individual in the urban area has access to an adequate supply of water for their daily needs.
- This includes drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and other domestic purposes.
- The commission takes into account factors such as population density, water availability, and the overall demand for water in the urban area.
- By setting this standard, the commission aims to ensure equitable distribution of water resources and promote sustainable water management practices in urban areas.
- It is important for urban areas to adhere to these standards to meet the water needs of their residents and maintain a healthy and sustainable water supply system.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: 135 litres per day.

False
There are several reasons why it is not the duty of private companies to provide safe drinking water to all:
1. Lack of government intervention: The responsibility of providing safe drinking water to the public primarily lies with the government. Governments are expected to regulate and oversee the water supply to ensure its safety and accessibility for all citizens.
2. Profit-driven motives: Private companies are primarily driven by profit and may prioritize cost-cutting measures over ensuring the safety of drinking water. This can potentially compromise the quality of water provided to consumers.
3. Unequal access: Private companies may prioritize serving areas with higher profitability, leading to unequal access to safe drinking water. This can disproportionately affect marginalized communities and low-income areas.
4. Regulatory oversight: Governments play a crucial role in setting and enforcing safety standards for drinking water. They have the authority to regulate private companies and hold them accountable for any violations or negligence in providing safe drinking water.
5. Public health concerns: Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right and a matter of public health. Leaving this responsibility solely in the hands of private companies may lead to inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper testing, and compromised public health outcomes.
In conclusion, while private companies can contribute to providing safe drinking water, it is ultimately the duty of the government to ensure its availability to all citizens.

False
- Urban areas generally have better access to public utilities and infrastructure compared to rural areas, including water supply.
- Urban areas usually have centralized water supply systems that cater to a larger population.
- Urban areas often have multiple sources of water supply, including reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater.
- Infrastructure and technology for water treatment and distribution are typically more advanced in urban areas.
- There may be occasional issues with water supply in certain urban areas due to maintenance or infrastructure problems, but overall, the shortage of public water supply is not as severe as in rural areas.

Private Companies Providing Water to Cities:

Private companies providing water to cities by buying it from places around the city is a common practice in many regions. Here is a detailed explanation:

• Water Supply System: Cities require a reliable water supply system to meet the needs of their residents. Municipalities are responsible for ensuring a sufficient and safe water supply for their communities.


• Public vs. Private: Water supply systems can be operated by either public or private entities. While many cities have publicly-owned water utilities, some choose to partner with private companies for water provision.


• Private Companies: Private companies specializing in water supply and distribution can enter into contracts with cities to provide water services. These companies may have expertise, resources, and infrastructure to efficiently manage the water supply.


• Water Sourcing: Private companies may buy water from various sources located around the city. These sources can include natural springs, wells, rivers, or even other municipalities with excess water supply.


• Water Treatment: Once the water is sourced, private companies often undertake the responsibility of treating and purifying the water to meet the required quality standards. This ensures the water supplied to the city is safe for consumption.


• Water Distribution: Private companies are also responsible for the distribution of water to the city's residents and businesses. They maintain the necessary infrastructure, such as pipelines and reservoirs, to deliver water to different areas.


• Regulation and Oversight: The operation of private water companies is often regulated by government authorities to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and pricing standards. This oversight helps protect the interests of the public.

In conclusion, private companies playing a role in providing water to cities by purchasing it from sources around the city is true. Such partnerships between private entities and municipalities can contribute to efficient and effective water supply systems.

Public Facility and Shared Benefits

True or False: The important feature of a public facility is that once it is provided, its benefits can be shared by many people.

Explanation:

The statement given above is True.

Here are the reasons why:

• Definition of a Public Facility: A public facility is a place or infrastructure that is accessible to the general public for use or enjoyment. It is typically provided and maintained by the government or community organizations.


• Shared Benefits: The key characteristic of a public facility is that it is meant to benefit a large number of people. It is designed to serve the needs and interests of the community as a whole, rather than being exclusive to a few individuals.


• Accessibility: Public facilities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status. This ensures that the benefits are not limited to a privileged few but are available to all members of the community.


• Equal Distribution: Public facilities aim to promote equality and social cohesion by providing equal opportunities and access to resources. By sharing the benefits of these facilities, it helps in bridging the gap between different sections of society.


• Examples: Some examples of public facilities include parks, libraries, schools, hospitals, community centers, and public transportation systems. These amenities are essential for the well-being and development of a community.

Therefore, the statement is true, as the important feature of a public facility is indeed its ability to be shared and utilized by many people, ensuring equal access and benefits for the community as a whole.

False
Clean water is important for household work, but it is not necessarily essential. Here are some reasons why clean water may not be essential in every household work:
1. Different water sources: Not all households have access to clean water sources. In some areas, water may be contaminated or have impurities. However, people still manage to carry out their daily household work using alternative water sources such as filtered or boiled water.
2. Water conservation: In regions where water scarcity is a concern, households may have limited access to clean water. In such cases, people have to find ways to conserve and use water efficiently for essential household tasks.
3. Water treatment methods: Even if the water supply is not clean, there are various water treatment methods available to make it suitable for household work. Filtration systems, water purifiers, and boiling are some common methods used to remove impurities and make water safe for consumption and other purposes.
4. Adaptation: Humans have adapted to different water conditions over time. People have developed practices and techniques to cope with water challenges, such as using rainwater harvesting systems, recycling water, or using water-saving appliances.
5. Alternate solutions: In situations where clean water is not readily available, households can find alternative solutions to carry out their tasks. For example, using water-saving appliances, using cleaning products that require less water, or utilizing waterless cleaning methods.
In conclusion, while clean water is important for household work, it is not essential in every situation. People can adapt and find alternative solutions to manage their household tasks even in the absence of clean water.