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CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 18 Public Facilities Worksheet with Answers

Public facilities form the backbone of a functioning democracy, ensuring that every citizen has access to basic necessities regardless of economic status. Chapter 18 of NCERT Class 8 Social Science explores how governments must provide essential services like water, sanitation, healthcare and education. This printable worksheet with answers helps students master key concepts about the right to water, public versus private supply systems, and governmental responsibilities in ensuring equitable access to public facilities for CBSE examinations.

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Key takeaways

✓Public facilities like water, sanitation, healthcare and education are essential services that must be provided by the government to all citizens equitably
✓The Constitution of India recognises the right to water as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21
✓Private supply of essential services often leads to inequality as profit motives make services unaffordable for economically weaker sections
✓Government plays a critical role in ensuring universal access to public facilities through taxation, planning and equitable distribution
✓Safe drinking water and proper sanitation are basic human needs that prevent water-borne diseases and maintain public health
✓Case studies from Chennai, Mumbai and Kerala demonstrate both successes and challenges in public water supply management across India

Quick Chapter Recap: Public Facilities

Public facilities are services and infrastructure that governments provide to citizens, ensuring basic needs are met equitably. Chapter 18 focuses particularly on the right to water and sanitation as fundamental human rights. The NCERT text emphasizes that while private companies operate on profit motives, public facilities must be accessible to all, especially economically disadvantaged sections. The government collects taxes and uses public funds to build infrastructure for water supply, sanitation systems, schools, hospitals and roads. The chapter discusses real examples from Indian cities like Chennai and Mumbai, where water scarcity affects millions, and examines how different states have approached the challenge of universal access. The Constitution of India recognizes the right to safe drinking water as part of Article 21 (Right to Life), making it a legal obligation for the state to provide these facilities. Understanding the distinction between public and private supply helps students appreciate why certain services cannot be left entirely to market forces.

Public facilities: Essential services provided by the government to all citizens, funded through taxation
Right to water: Recognised under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution as part of the Right to Life
Public vs Private supply: Public aims at universal access; private operates on profit and affordability
Government role: Planning, funding, building infrastructure and ensuring equitable distribution
Key examples: Water supply in Chennai, sanitation in Mumbai slums, Kerala's healthcare model

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

This section contains six carefully designed multiple-choice questions covering the fundamental concepts from Chapter 18 Public Facilities. Each question tests understanding of the right to water and sanitation, the difference between public and private supply systems, and the constitutional obligations of the government. Students should attempt these questions within 10 minutes to build speed for CBSE examinations. The MCQs range from direct recall questions to application-based scenarios that require critical thinking. Concepts covered include Article 21, the role of taxation in funding public facilities, reasons why water cannot be purely a private good, and real-world examples from Indian cities mentioned in the NCERT textbook. These questions mirror the pattern frequently seen in CBSE Social Science papers and will help students gain confidence in objective-type questions while reinforcing core chapter concepts.

Q1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution recognises the Right to Life, including access to safe drinking water? (a) Article 19 (b) Article 21 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 370
Q2. Public facilities are primarily funded through: (a) Private donations (b) Foreign aid (c) Taxation (d) Corporate sponsorships
Q3. Why should water supply NOT be completely privatised? (a) Private companies are inefficient (b) It would make water unaffordable for the poor (c) Government wants monopoly (d) Private companies lack technology
Q4. Chennai faced a severe water crisis in which year as mentioned in the chapter? (a) 2015 (b) 2017 (c) 2019 (d) 2020
Q5. What percentage of Delhi's population was getting water supply for less than three hours a day in early 2000s? (a) 20% (b) 35% (c) 50% (d) 70%
Q6. Sulabh is an organisation in India that works primarily for: (a) Education (b) Healthcare (c) Sanitation (d) Housing

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Five fill-in-the-blank questions designed to test recall of specific facts, terminology and data from Chapter 18 Public Facilities. These questions focus on precise information presented in the NCERT textbook, including statistics about water access, names of organisations, constitutional provisions and key terms. Students should pay attention to exact numbers and proper nouns mentioned in the chapter. This section should take approximately 8 minutes to complete. The blanks cover critical vocabulary such as public facilities, sanitation, fundamental right, and specific case studies from Indian cities. Fill-in-the-blank questions are common in CBSE Social Science papers as they test whether students have read the chapter carefully and retained important details. Marks are typically awarded only for exact or closely matching answers, so precision matters. This exercise builds the habit of noting key facts during chapter reading and revision sessions before examinations.

Q7. __________ are essential services that the government should provide to all citizens.
Q8. In Mumbai, more than 50% of the population lives in __________, where water and sanitation facilities are extremely inadequate.
Q9. The __________ organisation has constructed more than 1.5 million household toilets and thousands of public toilet blocks across India.
Q10. Access to safe drinking water is recognised as a __________ under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Q11. Private water supply through tankers costs poor families much more than the rich because they buy water in __________ quantities.

Section C: True or False with Correction

This section contains six statements about public facilities that students must identify as true or false. For every false statement, students must write the correct version, which reinforces accurate understanding of concepts. This format tests not just recognition but also the ability to correct misconceptions about the role of government in providing public facilities, the nature of the right to water, and the challenges faced in different Indian cities. Students should allocate about 10 minutes for this section. The statements are crafted to address common misunderstandings, such as whether private companies can replace government in providing water, whether all Indian cities have equal water access, and whether sanitation is a fundamental right. The correction component is particularly valuable as it requires students to engage actively with the content rather than making random guesses. CBSE examiners increasingly favour questions that test deeper comprehension over simple recall, making this format excellent exam preparation.

Q12. Public facilities are only for people who can afford to pay for them. (True/False)
Q13. The Constitution of India recognises the right to water as a fundamental right. (True/False)
Q14. Private companies can provide water more cheaply to poor people than the government. (True/False)
Q15. All areas of Delhi receive equal hours of water supply every day. (True/False)
Q16. Sulabh International has worked extensively on improving sanitation facilities in India. (True/False)
Q17. In rural India, collecting water is primarily the responsibility of men and boys. (True/False)

Section D: Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Five short-answer questions requiring answers of approximately 50-80 words each. These questions test the ability to explain concepts, compare ideas, and apply learning from Chapter 18 to real-world situations. Students should aim to complete this section in 15 minutes, spending about three minutes per question. Each answer should contain 2-3 key points presented clearly with appropriate examples where asked. Short-answer questions in CBSE Social Science papers typically carry 3 marks and expect students to demonstrate understanding beyond mere recall. Answers should be structured logically with an opening statement, supporting points, and if possible, a concluding remark. Topics covered include explaining what public facilities are, discussing the role of government, comparing public and private water supply, explaining the right to water, and analyzing challenges faced by urban populations. These questions directly mirror CBSE examination patterns and help students practice writing concise yet complete answers within time limits.

Q18. What are public facilities? Why are they important for the people of a country?
Q19. Explain the role of the government in providing public facilities to its citizens.
Q20. Compare public water supply with private water supply. Why should water not be completely privatised?
Q21. How is the right to water recognised in India? Which constitutional provision supports this right?
Q22. Describe two major challenges faced by cities like Chennai and Mumbai in providing adequate water supply to all residents.

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (5 marks each)

Three long-answer and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) questions that require detailed responses of 120-150 words each. These questions demand analytical thinking, the ability to construct arguments, evaluation of policies, and application of chapter concepts to broader social issues. Students should allocate 20 minutes for this section, approximately 6-7 minutes per question. Each answer should be well-structured with an introduction, 3-4 body paragraphs covering different dimensions of the question, and a conclusion. HOTS questions test whether students can go beyond textbook reproduction to critically examine issues like inequality in access to public facilities, governmental responsibilities versus failures, and the social impact of inadequate sanitation. These questions prepare students for CBSE's emphasis on analytical and evaluative skills in Social Science papers. Strong answers will include specific examples from the chapter, reference to constitutional provisions or governmental policies, and demonstrate awareness of the real challenges faced by different sections of Indian society in accessing basic public facilities.

Q23. 'Access to safe drinking water and sanitation are fundamental rights of every citizen.' Discuss this statement with reference to the situation in Indian cities. What challenges do people face?
Q24. Why is it necessary for the government to provide public facilities and not leave them entirely to private companies? Explain with suitable examples from the chapter.
Q25. Analyse the inequality in access to water supply in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. What are the consequences of this inequality on the lives of poor people?

Section F: Case Study Question

One case-study question presenting a real or realistic scenario related to public facilities, followed by three sub-questions. Case studies test the ability to read, comprehend, analyze and apply chapter concepts to specific situations. This format has become increasingly popular in CBSE Social Science examinations as it assesses multiple skills simultaneously. Students should spend approximately 8 minutes on this section. The case study presented here relates to water crisis in a fictional but representative Indian city, incorporating themes of inequality, governmental role, private versus public supply, and the impact on different socio-economic groups. Sub-questions will ask students to identify the problem, suggest solutions based on chapter learning, and evaluate the role of government. This integrated approach mirrors real CBSE papers and helps students practice extracting relevant information from passages and connecting it to theoretical knowledge from Chapter 18 Public Facilities. Strong answers will reference specific concepts like Article 21, taxation-funded infrastructure, and equitable distribution while addressing the particular situation described in the case.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers for all 26 questions across Sections A through F, along with brief explanations to help students understand why each answer is correct. The answer key is an essential learning tool, not just for checking answers but for deepening understanding of Chapter 18 concepts. Students should review this section carefully after attempting the worksheet, paying special attention to explanations for questions they answered incorrectly. For MCQs, the rationale behind the correct option is provided. For descriptive answers, model responses or key points that must be included are outlined. This approach transforms the worksheet from a simple testing tool into a comprehensive learning resource. Parents and teachers can use this answer key to guide discussions about public facilities, the role of government, and constitutional rights. The explanations reference specific portions of the NCERT textbook, encouraging students to revisit the source material. For students preparing independently, this detailed answer key serves as a self-study guide, clarifying doubts and reinforcing correct understanding of how public facilities function in India and why governmental responsibility is crucial for ensuring equity and access for all citizens regardless of economic status.

Section A Answers: 1(b) Article 21, 2(c) Taxation, 3(b) Unaffordable for poor, 4(c) 2019, 5(c) 50%, 6(c) Sanitation
Section B Answers: 7. Public facilities, 8. Slums/slum areas, 9. Sulabh/Sulabh International, 10. Fundamental right, 11. Small/smaller
Section C Answers: 12. False — Public facilities must be accessible to all, especially those who cannot afford to pay. 13. True. 14. False — Private companies charge profit-based rates that are unaffordable for the poor. 15. False — Different areas receive vastly unequal hours of supply. 16. True. 17. False — It is primarily women and girls who bear this burden.
Section D Sample Points: Q18 should define public facilities and explain importance for equality, health and development. Q19 should cover taxation, infrastructure building, ensuring equity. Q20 must contrast profit motive with universal access. Q21 should mention Article 21 and court judgments. Q22 should discuss population pressure, infrastructure gaps, inequality.
Section E Sample Points: Q23 should discuss constitutional recognition, ground reality of inequality, impact on health and dignity. Q24 must explain profit motive excluding poor, government's role in equity, examples of water tankers. Q25 should analyze data from chapter on unequal access, consequences like health issues, time loss, poverty perpetuation.
Section F Answers: Q26(a) Severe inequality in access to water, with poor families disproportionately affected. Q26(b) Rich can afford borewells and tankers; poor pay more per unit buying small quantities and lose income/time collecting water. Q26(c) Government should: ensure equitable distribution with adequate supply to slum areas; regulate private tankers and ensure quality; invest in expanding public water infrastructure.

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For students finding Chapter 18 Public Facilities challenging or wanting deeper clarity on Social Science concepts, CBSETUTOR.ai offers a powerful 24×7 AI tutor available at just ₹999 per month — one flat price covering all subjects for Classes 6-12. The platform's standout feature is photo-upload solving: students can click a picture of any question from their Social Science textbook, worksheet or exam paper, and receive step-by-step explanations instantly. This is particularly valuable for understanding case-study questions and HOTS questions that require analytical thinking. The AI tutor adapts to each student's learning pace, providing additional examples when concepts like public versus private supply or constitutional rights need reinforcement. Unlike conventional coaching that operates on fixed schedules, CBSETUOR.ai is available whenever the student needs help — during homework time, late-night revision, or weekend exam preparation. Parents appreciate the transparency of one affordable price without hidden charges or pressure to buy expensive course packages. The platform covers the complete CBSE Social Science syllabus with NCERT-aligned content, practice questions and doubt-clearing support. Students can try the service free for 3 days to experience how personalised AI tutoring makes chapters like Public Facilities easier to understand, remember and apply in examinations. The combination of instant doubt resolution, unlimited practice and exam-focused guidance makes CBSETUTOR.ai an invaluable companion for Class 8 Social Science success.

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Tips for Solving This Worksheet Effectively

Approaching this Public Facilities worksheet strategically will maximize learning and exam preparation benefits. First, attempt the worksheet in exam conditions: set a 60-minute timer, keep the NCERT textbook closed, and work through sections systematically from A to F. This builds time management skills crucial for CBSE board examinations. Start with Section A (MCQs) as these are quickest and build confidence, then move through fill-in-the-blanks and true/false before tackling short and long answers. For descriptive questions, spend 30 seconds planning your answer structure before writing — jot down 2-3 key points you want to cover. Use the first sentence to directly address the question, then develop each point in subsequent sentences with examples from the chapter. Always try to include specific references like Article 21, Chennai water crisis 2019, or Sulabh International to demonstrate thorough chapter knowledge. After completing the worksheet, check answers using the answer key but do not just tick or cross — read the explanations carefully to understand why your answer was right or wrong. For incorrect answers, revisit that section in the NCERT textbook to strengthen understanding. Reattempt wrong questions after a day to ensure the concept is now clear. Students should solve this worksheet at least twice: once during chapter completion and again during revision before exams. This spaced repetition significantly improves retention and exam performance in CBSE Class 8 Social Science.

Attempt in timed conditions (60 minutes) to simulate actual exam pressure and build speed
Start with objective questions (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks) before moving to descriptive answers
Plan descriptive answers with 2-3 key points before writing to ensure structured responses
Include specific examples, data and proper nouns from the chapter to strengthen answers
Review answer key explanations thoroughly, not just correct/incorrect marking
Revisit NCERT textbook sections for questions answered incorrectly to fill knowledge gaps
Re-attempt the worksheet after one week to test retention and track improvement

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level of this CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 18 worksheet?+

This worksheet is designed at moderate to challenging difficulty level, incorporating questions from basic recall (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks) to higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and case-study analysis. It mirrors the actual CBSE examination pattern for Class 8 Social Science and prepares students comprehensively for all question types they might encounter. The suggested completion time is 60 minutes under exam conditions.

Does this worksheet cover all important topics from Chapter 18 Public Facilities?+

Yes, this worksheet comprehensively covers all major topics from NCERT Class 8 Social Science Chapter 18 including the right to water and sanitation, public versus private supply systems, the role of government in providing facilities, constitutional provisions under Article 21, and real examples from Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and other Indian cities mentioned in the textbook. All 35+ questions are carefully mapped to chapter learning objectives.

How should I use the answer key provided with this worksheet?+

First attempt all questions without referring to the answer key or textbook. After completion, check your answers section by section. Read the explanations carefully even for questions you answered correctly to deepen understanding. For wrong answers, revisit the relevant NCERT textbook section, then re-attempt those questions after a day to ensure the concept is now clear. The answer key is a learning tool, not just for marking.

Are these questions similar to actual CBSE Class 8 Social Science exam questions?+

Yes, all questions are designed following the latest CBSE examination pattern and marking scheme for Class 8 Social Science. The worksheet includes the exact mix of question types seen in CBSE papers: MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, short answers (3 marks), long answers (5 marks), and case-study questions. The language, difficulty level and mark distribution closely mirror actual board examination questions.

What is the right to water mentioned in this chapter?+

The right to water is recognised as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the Right to Life. The Supreme Court has interpreted this to mean that access to safe drinking water is essential for life and dignity, making it the government's constitutional obligation to provide adequate water supply to all citizens. This chapter explores how this right is implemented and the challenges faced in ensuring universal access.

Why cannot public facilities like water supply be completely privatised?+

Public facilities cannot be completely privatised because private companies operate on profit motives and would charge rates that make essential services unaffordable for economically weaker sections. The chapter shows how private water tankers in Chennai charge amounts that poor families cannot afford, forcing them to spend disproportionate shares of income on basic needs. Government provision ensures equity and universal access regardless of ability to pay, which is crucial for fundamental rights.

How much time should I spend on each section of this worksheet?+

Allocate approximately: Section A (MCQs) — 10 minutes, Section B (Fill-in-the-blanks) — 8 minutes, Section C (True/False) — 10 minutes, Section D (Short answers) — 15 minutes, Section E (Long answers) — 20 minutes, Section F (Case study) — 8 minutes. This totals about 60 minutes. Practicing with these time limits builds speed and exam readiness for CBSE Social Science papers where time management is crucial for completing all questions.

What are some common mistakes students make when answering questions on Public Facilities?+

Common mistakes include: writing vague answers without specific examples from the chapter like Chennai water crisis or Sulabh sanitation work; confusing public and private supply characteristics; not mentioning Article 21 when discussing right to water; giving one-sided answers to questions asking for comparison or analysis; and exceeding word limits in short-answer questions while missing key points. The answer key explanations help students avoid these errors.

Can I print this worksheet for practice at home or in school?+

Yes, this worksheet is specifically designed as a printable resource for CBSE Class 8 students. Teachers can print and distribute it in classrooms for practice sessions, and parents can print it for home revision. The structured format with clear sections, question numbering and space for answers makes it ideal for both supervised classroom tests and independent home practice. The complete answer key enables self-assessment.

How does CBSETUTOR.ai help with Social Science Chapter 18 and other chapters?+

CBSETUTOR.ai provides 24×7 AI tutoring for all CBSE subjects including Social Science at just ₹999/month for Classes 6-12. Students can upload photos of any question from Chapter 18 or other chapters and receive instant step-by-step solutions. The platform offers NCERT-aligned explanations, unlimited practice questions, doubt clearing, and personalised learning support. A 3-day free trial lets students experience the benefits before subscribing, making exam preparation more effective and accessible.

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