Question 42 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Polity & Governance

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. 'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
2. 'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
3. 'Right to the City' means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 2

Strategy: Select statements 1 and 2 as they accurately reflect the 'Right to the City.' Statement 1 correctly identifies its recognition as a human right and UN-Habitat's role. Statement 2 captures key themes like reclaiming public spaces and participatory rights. Reject statement 3, which unrealistically claims an absolute guarantee of services for unauthorized colonies, a stance not supported by law or practice.

Key Info: The Right to the City is a conceptual framework for more inclusive urban development, originating from Henri Lefebvre's 1968 ideas. It advocates for every inhabitant's right to shape urbanization, access secure tenure, participate in governance, and reclaim public spaces.

This concept is enshrined in global agendas like the New Urban Agenda (2016), with UN-Habitat promoting it, although it is not legally binding under international law.

Key components of the right include:
- Access to public spaces
- Spatial justice
- Democratic participation
- Access to basic amenities

**Key Limitations**
The right does not provide an absolute entitlement to public facilities for occupants of unauthorized or informal settlements. Service provision remains subject to state law, regularization, and planning policies. It emphasizes inclusivity and participation, not blanket access to all public services irrespective of legal status, and does not override municipal governance or regulatory controls.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option B: 3 only

Answer

Option D: 2 and 3