Consider the following statements: 'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard. 'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city. '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?

Indian Polity : Municipality

Q 1 / 3

UPSC CSE Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements:

'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
'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?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is 2 and 3.

Explanation

The concept of the Right to the City refers to the idea that all inhabitants of urban areas should have the ability to access urban resources, participate in urban governance, and shape the development of the city.

Statement 1: Incorrect.
The Right to the City is a normative urban development concept rather than a formally recognized human right under international law. Although organizations such as UN-Habitat promote inclusive urban development, it does not monitor legally binding commitments of countries regarding a formally agreed human right called “Right to the City”.
Statement 2: Correct.
The concept emphasizes the right of all city inhabitants to access public spaces and to participate in decisions related to urban planning and governance.
Statement 3: Correct.
The idea also promotes inclusive urban governance where essential services and urban facilities should not be denied solely on the basis of the legal status of settlements, encouraging equitable access for residents of informal or unauthorized colonies.

Key Takeaway: The Right to the City is a framework promoting inclusive access to urban resources, participation in city governance, and equitable access to urban services.

SOURCEHistory of Medieval India by Satish Chandra, Chapter 10: Society, Culture and Economy in the Sultanate Period