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Ensure education, hygiene, healthcare in rural areas: 

Supreme Courts Observation on Rural Development

  • The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of hygieneeducation, and healthcare as the key pillars for a robust rural India.
  • A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant underscored that basic necessities must be addressed before secondary initiatives like public libraries.
  • The Court dismissed a petition that sought a directive for the States to establish a public library in every village, stating that libraries, though valuable, may not be the immediate priority.

Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary , Governance)

Budgetary Allocation for Rural Infrastructure

  • 10-15% of State budgets should be allocated to improving rural infrastructure, ensuring essential services reach marginalized communities.
  • Financial constraints are often cited by States as an excuse for lack of development, but prioritization of resources is crucial for holistic rural upliftment.
  • A strong rural infrastructure base is necessary for achieving the vision of a developed India.

Libraries vs. Basic Necessities – The Debate

  • The Court acknowledged the role of libraries in shaping knowledge, democratic values, and Constitutional awareness, particularly for children and rural populations.
  • However, it questioned whether public libraries should take precedence over essential services like food, water, sanitation, and healthcare.
  • Justice Kant posed a fundamental question: Would a starving person prefer a library over food and health services?
  • The decision on prioritization, the Court ruled, should be left to policymakers rather than judicial intervention.

Key Challenges in Rural Development

  • Healthcare Gaps:
    • Inadequate primary health centers (PHCs), lack of trained medical personnel, and poor infrastructure in rural areas.
    • High maternal and infant mortality rates due to limited access to quality healthcare.
  • Education Deficiencies:
    • Insufficient school infrastructure, lack of teachers, and poor access to digital education resources.
    • Inconsistent mid-day meal programs due to logistical and financial limitations.
  • Hygiene & Sanitation Issues:
    • Unsafe drinking water, open defecation in some regions despite Swachh Bharat Mission, and poor waste disposal facilities.
    • High incidence of waterborne diseases and malnutrition due to lack of hygiene awareness.

Policy Implications & Recommendations

  • State governments should conduct comprehensive surveys on healthcare, water supply, and education gaps before implementing secondary initiatives like libraries.
  • Integration of e-libraries and digital literacy programs can complement existing education efforts while addressing financial constraints.
  • Strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding for rural education and healthcare infrastructure.
  • Expanding public-private partnerships (PPP) in rural healthcare and digital education access.
  • Prioritization framework:
    • Food security & healthcare access → 2. Hygiene & sanitation → 3. Basic education infrastructure → 4. Supplementary resources like libraries.

Supreme Court’s Verdict & Its Broader Impact

  • The Court left the final decision on priorities to policymakers, reinforcing the need for evidence-based rural development planning.
  • Encouraged States to explore innovative measures like e-libraries within financial constraints.
  • The ruling highlights a larger issue of rural neglect and the need for efficient allocation of resources.

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