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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• 'Right to the City' (Henri Lefebvre, 1968) is the idea that all urban residents have a claim to use, shape and take part in the life of the city.
• Statement 1 is wrong: it is not an agreed human right under international law, and UN-Habitat does not monitor country commitments on it; it appears only as an aspiration in the New Urban Agenda (2016).
• Statement 2 is correct: at its core is every occupant's right to reclaim public spaces and to participate in city decision-making.
• Statement 3 is correct per the official key: the idea implies that all residents, including those in unauthorised colonies, are entitled to basic public services and facilities.
• Hence 2 and 3, option (d) — the official UPSC answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: it is not an agreed human right monitored by UN-Habitat.
- (b) 3 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: reclaiming public spaces and participation is the core of the idea.
- (c) 1 and 2
- Statement 1 is wrong, and statement 3 is correct per the official key.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.