Books Chapters

The Right to Water in Rural India and Drinking Water Policy Reforms

The Human Right to Water: Theory, Practice and Prospects Cambridge University Press Edited by MALCOLM LANGFORD and ANNA F S RUSSELL 2017

The right to water has been recognised in Indian law for two decades, largely predating debates concerning its recognition at the international level. While there is no statute providing the framework for realising the right, the state has been putting significant resources for decades in attempting to provide water to all in rural areas. The state intervention has been mostly governed by policy instruments that have changed significantly over time. Since the beginning of the century, a major change in policy has led to the state seeking to make users (rights holders) participate (financial terms, decision making) in drinking water supply in rural areas. This chapter analyses the changes that have taken place and identifies gaps that have arisen in terms of aligning the policy framework with the human right to water.

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