CLASS 8: ENGLISH : THE SUBMERGED VALLEY BY MANOJ DAS

Our village was the home to many people who led a simple agrarian life and had strong faith in their Gods and Goddesses. I left our village when I was five years of age as my father, an engineer got posted in the town and we moved bag and baggage, leaving our village for good. After that I had never really thought of my village till I became a third grader and our head teacher asked us to write an essay on Village Life.

I still fondly remember our village, the hillock at a distance with the temple of Lord Shiva atop it, the innumerable big trees, the stretch of paddy fields, the pools, the bull of Shiva walking across the village and the rows of houses. I even recollected the superstitious beliefs of the villagers associated with a lame crow sitting perched on the big tree who was considered ominous, the member of the Harijan community who declared himself to be a Saheb as he had white skin due to vitiligo and the way he swaggered in the market place wearing a cork topee. I even recalled the shady big tree in our school that seemed to sympathise with me whenever my teacher used to scold or thrash me. I often chatted with it at times of woe and gained solace..

A sense of nostalgia overwhelmed me when I remembered people of my village, including Abolkara, the weird son of the quirky lady who had a mad dog and a cat as pet and lived on the hillock behind the temple. Her son Abolkara seemed to be half headed and with his coherent talks claimed to have the power to communicate with the ravens and the jackals Some people believed him and fed him food to his heart's content, for Abolkara would not leave a house till he had eaten to his satisfaction. Villagers tried to harness him to constructive activity by making him spin clothes in the wheel but Abolkara as he was enjoyed spinning the wheel for fun rather than for work. Even an attempt to make him watch a heap of paddy failed as he neglected everything and was found singing by the side of Shiva's bull that seemed to replace the paddy.

A couple of years passed by and the village just became a memory to me. One day we heard father saying that a proposed dam would submerge the village and my eyes swelled up with tears. Mother too cried on hearing the news. Soon we had visitors from the village who had come to ask father's favour in stopping the government from constructing a dam in the village as the government had asked the villagers to vacate their lands, promising to give them rehabilitation in a nearby area and also pay in cash. They were reluctant to leave their ancestral home and their deities" "Babu, how can we leave our ancestors' ashes embedded in the soil of the village and just leave?" they questioned father. Father listened to them in silence which felt like as if he understood their feelings but silenced them saying, "Hmmm. I understand your sentiments but change is needed for development. Change should be welcomed for progress." He further said that they should not fret over the construction of the dam as the government had assured to help them resettle. The villagers tried their level best to oppose the government's decision and stop the construction of the dam but to no avail. Ultimately they had to give in Son give in. Some villagers settled in the new area which was a valley about eighteen miles away while some took the cash and went elsewhere or invested in some petty business.

Five years passed by since the construction of the dam with beneficial results. But one monsoon went dry and a problem surfaced. The level of the water had gone down considerably and as a result the hillock and the top of the Shiva temple had become visible. This news spread like wildfire. One evening father came home and asked mother if she would like to accompany him to our village where he was going the next day to attend a committee meeting at the dam. Mother was simply overjoyed and immediately agreed She could not hide her excitement.

We started early and reached the dam by noon the next day. The sky was overcast with clouds The locality had undergone quite a change. Mother expressed shock and was in awe to see the changes in the village. The old houses were no longer there. There were two bungalows and a cluster of small buildings for the dam officials. Father had news of a heavy shower at the end of the river which might rise the water level dangerously flooding the entire area. Father thought it apt to move the villagers to safer areas. So he summoned a launch and arranged for a meeting at sundown with the other officials while the villagers came in small boats to have a glimpse of the hillock and visit the temple. The old villagers who knew mother came up to her and talked with her.

Soon there was heavy rain and all the boats were instructed to take the people back. We too boarded the launch to go to the bungalow which was allotted to us. But a scene was created by Abolkara who had grown old and wore a beard as he sat on a rock and refused to board any of the boats. Instead he told the villagers that he had been there in the water since the last five years. Father found it to be utter nonsense and asked him to go to safety in one of the boats but Abolkara refused. So all the others left in their boats, including us in our launch leaving Abolkara behind. As we deboarded the launch at the portico of the bungalow and went upstairs father went to attend his meeting It rained heavily the entire evening till night. Putu, my little sister and I had dinner and went to bed while mother sat by the window watching the rain pouring and waited for father. Around midnight, father came home with Abolkara. He was drenched from head to toe.

"Is there anything to eat?" he asked mother and told her to give Abolkara some change of clothes from the bungalow's wardrobe. He then went to his room to retire for the night leaving mother to take care of Abolkara, who was shivering being immersed in the water for long. Father also told mother that they had narrowly escaped an accident as he had taken the launch again to the dam to save Abolkara. Mother was so full of emotions on knowing that father had risked his life to save Abolkara that she was in loss of words and could just say "Hope you're okay. Please go and rest. It's been a very very long day for you."

Both Putu and I were awakened by the noise and heard how father had rescued Abolkara. So we went in to see father who hardly ever showed any emotions. But he was fast asleep and we stared at him thinking that after all, inside his stern look there was a heart which cared for the people of the village he grew up in and that he was not a heartless man as we had thought him to be because of his serious nature. 

Module 1: Nostalgic Beginnings

(Para 1–2)

• Introduction of the village and its simple agrarian lifestyle.

• The narrator’s early childhood in the village.

• The move to town due to father’s job.

• First recollection of the village during an essay activity.

• Vivid and fond memories of the temple, bull, people, and superstitions.

Module 2: Village Characters and Whimsical Beliefs

(Para 3)

• Introduction of unique village figures like Abolkara and his mother.

• Abolkara’s quirky personality and mystical claims.

• Villagers’ mixed reactions to his oddities.

• Attempted reforms and how Abolkara remained the same.

Module 3: News of Doom – The Coming Submergence

(Para 4)

• The narrator hears of the proposed dam that will submerge the village.

• Emotional reactions of the family.

• Visit from the villagers seeking help.

• Father’s pragmatic view: change is necessary for development.

• Villagers’ emotional attachment to land, ancestors, and deities.

Module 4: Displacement and Resettlement

(Para 5)

• Villagers are compelled to leave.

• Some accept rehabilitation, others take money.

• The narrator witnesses the finality of the relocation.

Module 5: The Temple Emerges Again

(Para 6)

• Drought causes water level to fall.

• Top of Shiva temple reappears—stirs curiosity and nostalgia.

• Father plans a visit to attend a dam committee meeting.

• Mother is excited to return.

Module 6: Return to the Submerged Valley

(Para 7–8)

• Arrival at the changed locality—modern buildings replace the village.

• Emotional shock for the mother.

• Reappearance of Abolkara—now aged and stubborn.

• Heavy rain threatens the area.

• Abolkara refuses to leave—evoking tension and sadness.

Module 7: Redemption and Realisation

(Para 9–10)

• Father risks his life to save Abolkara.

• Abolkara is brought home, cared for by mother.

• Children realize the compassion hidden beneath father’s stoic exterior.

• Story ends on a note of transformation and emotional depth.

Recognising Dignity and Ensuring Equality in a Democracy

Recognising Dignity and Ensuring Equality in a Democracy

In any society, the concept of dignity is deeply tied to how individuals are treated, especially in relation to their caste, religion, gender, class, and economic background. When people are treated unequally because of these social identities, their dignity or self-respect is violated. The real-life experiences of Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris illustrate how deeply social prejudices can affect the lives of individuals.

Examples of Discrimination

Two examples from real life show this problem:

• Om Prakash Valmiki, a Dalit boy, was asked to sweep the school just because of his caste. This was wrong and hurt his dignity. His teachers and classmates treated him badly and made him feel less important than others.

• The Ansaris, a Muslim family, were refused a flat for rent just because of their religion. Even when they had money, people didn’t want to rent to them. A dealer even asked them to change their name, which was disrespectful.

In both cases, their self-respect (dignity) was hurt. No one deserves to be treated this way.

Equality in Indian Democracy

The Indian Constitution upholds the equality of all individuals, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or economic background. While this does not mean that inequality has vanished from society, it does mean that legal recognition of equality exists, and there are mechanisms in place to protect this right. Key constitutional provisions include:

1. Equality before law – All individuals, from the President to a domestic worker, are subject to the same laws.

2. Prohibition of discrimination – No person can be discriminated against on grounds of caste, religion, race, gender, or place of birth.

3. Equal access to public spaces – All citizens can access public places like shops, roads, playgrounds, and wells.

4. Abolition of untouchability – Untouchability is declared illegal and punishable.

To implement these principles, the government uses two main approaches:

• Laws that prohibit discrimination

• Welfare schemes that uplift disadvantaged communities

One such initiative is the Midday Meal Scheme, introduced first in Tamil Nadu and later mandated by the Supreme Court for all states in 2001. It ensures children receive a nutritious cooked lunch in government schools. This has led to:

• Increased school enrollment and attendance

• Better concentration among students

• Reduction in caste-based prejudices as all children eat together

• Employment for marginalized women, including Dalit women

However, despite these efforts, inequalities persist. Dalit children, like Omprakash, still face discrimination in many schools. One major reason for this is that social attitudes change slowly. Many continue to treat people unequally, even when the law prohibits such behavior.

Steps Taken by the Government

To reduce inequality, the government uses laws and programmes.

One such programme is the Midday Meal Scheme:

• Children in government schools get free cooked lunch.

• It encourages poor children to attend school regularly.

• It helps reduce hunger and caste discrimination (as all children eat together).

• It also frees mothers from having to leave work in the middle of the day.

Inequality in Other Democracies

India is not alone. Even in the United States, African-Americans face inequality.

• In the past, Black people were treated very badly. They could not sit in the front of a bus or attend schools with white children.

• In 1955, Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, refused to give up her seat to a white man. This started a big movement called the Civil Rights Movement.

• In 1964, a law was passed to end discrimination based on race, religion, or nationality.

• Yet, even today, many African-Americans are poor and go to low-quality schools, while white children go to better schools.

(Struggles for Equality in Other Democracies

India is not alone in facing challenges of inequality. In the United States, African-Americans continue to struggle for true equality. Historically, they faced legal segregation, as seen in practices like being forced to sit at the back of buses or attend separate schools. A landmark moment came in 1955, when Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. This sparked the Civil Rights Movement, which led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or nationality and mandated integration in schools.

Despite these legal victories, economic and educational inequality persists. African-American children often attend underfunded public schools with limited facilities, while white children have access to better resources through private schools or well-funded government schools in affluent areas.)

Conclusion

While democratic systems like those in India and the United States guarantee equality by law, the reality is more complex. True equality goes beyond legal provisions—it requires changing societal attitudes, breaking prejudices, and creating equal opportunities for all. This is an ongoing process, and both governments and citizens must work together to uphold the values of dignity, justice, and equality for every individual.

“Equal Right to Vote” and Everyday Inequalities in India

 

“Equal Right to Vote” and Everyday Inequalities in India

The story of Kanta and the real-life narratives of Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris reveal a powerful contrast between the legal ideal of equality and the social reality of inequality in democratic India.

1. Universal Adult Franchise – Legal Equality

India is a democracy where the Constitution guarantees every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, economic status, or education. This is known as Universal Adult Franchise, and it forms the foundation of political equality.

In the story, Kanta, a domestic help, feels proud and empowered as she stands in line with people from different social classes, including her employer. Each person, whether rich or poor, has one vote. This is a moment where legal equality becomes visible and tangible.

2. The Illusion of Real Equality

However, as Kanta’s day unfolds, she begins to question this equality. Although she is politically equal in the polling booth, her daily life is filled with inequality:

• She lives in a slum with poor sanitation.

• She cannot afford to take leave when her child is sick.

• She has to borrow money from her employer, showing her economic dependence.

• She waits in long queues at a government hospital, which is primarily accessed by the poor.

This contrast shows how legal rights do not always translate into equal opportunities or equal dignity in real life.

3. Social Inequality – The Case of Caste Discrimination

The story of Omprakash Valmiki, a Dalit writer, highlights caste-based discrimination in Indian society. Despite legal provisions against caste discrimination, many Dalits still face:

• Humiliation and exclusion in schools.

• Forced manual labor due to caste-based prejudices.

• Verbal and physical abuse.

Omprakash’s experience as a child made to sweep the school instead of studying like his classmates is a shocking example of how deeply entrenched caste hierarchies deny basic dignity and equality.

4. Religious Discrimination – The Case of Mr. and Mrs. Ansari

The second story reflects religious discrimination faced by Muslims in urban housing markets. The Ansaris, despite having the money to rent an apartment, were repeatedly rejected by landlords after their identity was revealed. They were even advised to change their names to something more "acceptable" (like Kumar) to find a house.

This shows how prejudice and stereotypes affect even financially secure individuals and violate the principles of secularism and equality enshrined in the Constitution.

5. Conclusion – Legal Rights vs. Social Reality

The Indian Constitution guarantees equality through:

• Article 14: Equality before law

• Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination

• Article 17: Abolition of untouchability

• Article 19-22: Fundamental rights

However, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these rights are meaningful in everyday life. Stories like those of Kanta, Omprakash, and the Ansaris remind us that true democracy is not just about voting rights, but about ensuring equal dignity, access, and opportunity for all citizens.

To build a just society, we must go beyond the vote and work to eliminate economic, social, and religious barriers that deny people their rightful place in the nation.

Questions and Answers

1. Q: What is universal adult franchise?
   A: The right of every adult citizen to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or income.

2. Q: Who is the main character in the story that goes to vote?
   A: Kanta.

3. Q: What makes Kanta feel proud in the morning?
   A: She feels equal because everyone, rich or poor, gets one vote.

4. Q: Why does Kanta become unsure about equality later in the day?
   A: Because she faces poverty and poor living conditions.

5. Q: Where does Kanta live?
   A: In a slum with a drain behind her house.

6. Q: Why can’t Kanta take a day off from work?
   A: Because she needs to borrow money to treat her sick daughter.

7. Q: What kind of job does Kanta do?
   A: She works as a domestic help.

8. Q: What kind of inequality does Omprakash Valmiki face?
   A: Caste-based discrimination.

9. Q: What is the meaning of the word "Dalit"?
   A: "Broken" – a term used by lower castes to describe themselves.

10. Q: What did the headmaster make Omprakash do in school?
    A: Sweep the school and playground.

11. Q: How did Omprakash feel while sweeping?
    A: Tired, dusty, and humiliated.

12. Q: Who stopped the discrimination against Omprakash at school?
    A: His father.

13. Q: What promise did Omprakash’s father make to the school?
    A: That his son would study there and many more would follow.

14. Q: Who are Mr. and Mrs. Ansari?
    A: A Muslim couple looking to rent a house.

15. Q: Why were the Ansaris denied housing?
    A: Because of their religion and non-vegetarian food habits.

16. Q: What suggestion did the dealer give the Ansaris?
    A: To change their names to "Mr. and Mrs. Kumar."

17. Q: How long did it take the Ansaris to find a house?
    A: One month.

18. Q: What does the Ansari story show?
    A: Religious discrimination in housing.

19. Q: What does Kanta's story reveal about equality?
    A: Voting rights exist, but economic and social inequalities persist.

20. Q: Why is equality in daily life important in a democracy?
    A: Because real equality goes beyond just voting—it includes dignity, opportunity, and freedom from discrimination.

Healthcare and Equality: Indian Realities, Kerala’s Decentralised Model, and the Costa Rican Approach

Healthcare and Equality: Indian Realities, Kerala’s Decentralised Model, and the Costa Rican Approach

1. India’s Unequal Landscape of Care

Aspect	Reality
Supply mix	Public services have stagnated while private facilities—clinics, diagnostic chains, corporate hospitals—have mushroomed, especially in cities.
Cost burden	• Medicines and tests are expensive; barely 1 in 5 Indians can consistently afford all prescribed drugs. • Around 40 % of hospitalised patients must borrow money or sell assets to meet bills. • Even “non-poor” families slide into debt after prolonged illness.
Quality concerns	Profit pressures lead to over-prescription of costly drugs, injections, IV saline, or diagnostic panels when cheaper or simpler options suffice.
Vulnerable groups	• Women’s symptoms often treated late or dismissed. • Tribal and remote areas lack both well-run public centres and private alternatives. • Undernourished households face a vicious cycle—poor nutrition → higher illness → deeper poverty.

2. Why Health Inequity Persists

1. Under-investment in public health: India spends < 2 % of GDP on government health, well below many developing peers.

2. Urban bias: Private providers cluster where paying clientele live; rural and peri-urban belts are underserved.

3. Weak regulation: Pricing, quality, and ethical standards for the private sector are only patchily enforced.

4. Social determinants: Unsafe water, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and low literacy magnify disease risk—medical care alone cannot fix these.

3. Government’s Constitutional Duty

• Article 21 (Right to Life) obliges the State to ensure timely, affordable, quality health care.

• Courts have ruled that denial or delay of essential treatment violates this right; governments can be ordered to reimburse out-of-pocket costs.

4. Kerala’s Decentralised Experiment (1996 onwards)

Feature	Impact
40 % of state budget devolved to elected panchayats	Local councils could tailor spending to real village needs.
Integrated village plans (water, sanitation, education, women’s development)	Tackled root causes of ill-health alongside curative care.
Monitoring of schools, anganwadis, and health centres	Reduced staff absenteeism, improved immunisation and maternal services.
Remaining gaps	Drug stock-outs, bed shortages, uneven doctor distribution—showing decentralisation must be paired with adequate state-level support and HR planning.

5. Costa Rica: Health Through Peace and Social Spending

• Abolished its army in 1948; defence savings redirected to universal primary health care, education, safe water, sanitation, and housing.

• Comprehensive health education is embedded from primary school onward.

• Achieved life-expectancy and infant-mortality figures comparable to high-income nations, despite modest GDP.

6. Lessons and Policy Directions for India

Domain	Key Actions
Public financing	• Raise government health spending to at least 3 – 4 % of GDP. • Broaden tax-funded insurance (e.g., PM-JAY) to cover outpatient drugs and diagnostics.
Primary care first	Strengthen Health & Wellness Centres, PHCs, mobile clinics; ensure 24×7 drug supplies and diagnostics.
Regulate the private sector	Enforce transparent pricing; mandate rational prescription practices; accredit facilities for quality and patient-safety standards.
Decentralised governance	Give panchayats/urban local bodies real budgets and data dashboards to plan water, sanitation, waste management, and health outreach.
Gender & tribal equity	Recruit female health workers; run culturally sensitive campaigns; locate sub-centres within easy reach of remote hamlets.
Tackle social determinants	Parallel investment in potable water, housing upgrades, clean energy, and nutrition (e.g., fortified foods, POSHAN 2.0).
Health literacy	Integrate school-level health education; leverage digital media for preventive-care messaging.
Community accountability	Social audits, patient charters, and grievance-redress portals to keep both public and private providers answerable.

7. Concluding Insight

Adequate, equitable health care is impossible without robust public systems, fair regulation of private players, and simultaneous investment in the everyday conditions that keep people healthy. Kerala’s decentralisation proves local empowerment can close gaps; Costa Rica shows what is possible when a nation prioritises welfare over warfare. For India, combining these lessons with increased public funding and strong governance offers the clearest path toward health justice for every citizen.

Private Health Facilities in India

 

Private Health Facilities in India

Health care in India is provided by both the government and the private sector. The private health care system has grown rapidly over the past few decades and plays a significant role in offering medical services to the people. Let us understand the structure, features, and implications of private health care in India.

1. What are Private Health Facilities?

Private health facilities refer to clinics, hospitals, diagnostic labs, and pharmacies that are owned and operated by individuals, groups, or companies rather than the government. These institutions work on a for-profit basis, and patients must pay for every service they receive.

2. Types of Private Health Facilities

India’s private health sector includes a wide variety of services:

a. Private Clinics

• Many doctors run their own small private clinics.

• These clinics are usually independently managed and offer consultations and minor treatments.

• In rural areas, Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) commonly operate such clinics.

b. Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes

• Found mostly in urban areas, these institutions offer specialised services like surgery, cardiology, maternity care, etc.

• Some of these are small-scale nursing homes, while others are large multi-specialty hospitals.

c. Diagnostic Laboratories

• These labs perform various medical tests like blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, ECGs, and ultrasounds.

• Many labs are privately owned and are tied to private hospitals.

d. Medical Shops and Pharmacies

• Medical stores are found in every town and city and are essential for purchasing prescribed medicines.

• Many of them are open 24x7, especially around hospital areas.

3. Characteristics of Private Health Facilities

• They are not owned, funded, or controlled by the government.

• Patients are required to pay for all services, which can be very expensive.

• Some hospitals even demand advance payments before admitting patients.

• The quality of care may be high, but it is not uniformly regulated.

• Patients from lower-income families often find these services unaffordable.

4. Corporate Involvement

• Many large corporate companies have entered the health care sector.

• These companies run high-end hospitals with advanced technology.

• They are also involved in the manufacturing and sale of medicines, creating a health industry that focuses on profit.

5. Spread and Popularity

• Today, private health services are visible everywhere, from villages to big cities.

• Due to issues in public hospitals like long queues, lack of staff, and limited medicines, people often turn to private hospitals for quicker treatment, despite the high costs.

• There is also a growing medical tourism industry in India, where private hospitals treat foreign patients.

6. Issues with Private Health Care

• High Cost: Treatment can be extremely expensive, especially in emergencies.

• Unequal Access: Only the rich or well-off can afford these services easily.

• Overcharging: Sometimes unnecessary tests or medicines are prescribed to increase bills.

• Profit-driven Motive: Unlike public hospitals, private facilities often aim for maximum profit, not public welfare.

Conclusion

Private health care facilities are an important part of India’s medical system. They offer specialised and faster services but are often too expensive for the poor and lower middle class. While they help reduce the burden on government hospitals, there is a need for proper regulation to ensure fair prices, ethical practices, and quality care for all.

India needs a balance between public and private health services so that everyone has access to timely, affordable, and quality medical care, irrespective of their financial status.

Public and Private Health Care Services in India

 

Public and Private Health Care Services in India

Health care services in India are broadly divided into two categories:

• (a) Public Health Services

• (b) Private Health Facilities

Let us understand each in detail:

1. Public Health Services

Public health services are health care facilities run by the government for the benefit of all citizens. These include health centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), District Hospitals, and large government hospitals in cities.

Structure of Public Health Services

• Village level: Health centres with nurses and health workers trained in treating common illnesses.

• Rural level: Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with doctors who supervise smaller centres.

• District level: District Hospitals that supervise all PHCs in the district.

• Urban level: Large government hospitals and specialised hospitals.

These services form a chain, ensuring both rural and urban populations are covered, and that citizens can get treatment for both simple and serious diseases.

2. Purpose and Importance of Public Health Services

Why are they called 'Public'?

• They are established and funded by the government using taxes collected from the people.

• They are meant for everyone, especially for the poor and underprivileged, who cannot afford expensive treatment in private hospitals.

• They aim to provide health services either free or at a very low cost.

Main Functions of Public Health System

• Curative services: Treating patients suffering from various diseases.

• Preventive services: Preventing the spread of diseases like TB, malaria, cholera, diarrhoea, chikungunya, etc., through awareness campaigns and cleanliness drives.

• Emergency services: Providing urgent treatment in case of accidents, epidemics, or sudden illnesses.

Example: Campaigns to stop mosquito breeding in water tanks and rooftops are part of preventive health care. These actions must involve both the government and the community to be successful.

3. Constitutional Duty of the Government

According to the Indian Constitution, it is the primary duty of the government to:

• Ensure the welfare of the people

• Provide health care facilities to all

• Safeguard the Right to Life of every citizen

If any hospital fails to give timely treatment, it is considered a violation of this right. The courts have said that:

• The State Government must ensure emergency medical care is available to all.

• If someone is forced to spend personal money due to the failure of public hospitals, the government is responsible and may be asked to reimburse the cost.

4. Private Health Facilities

While not detailed in this section, it is important to note that private hospitals and clinics are owned by individuals or companies. They:

• Charge high fees for consultations, tests, and treatment.

• Are not affordable for the poor or lower-middle-class families.

• Often provide faster service but can lead to heavy financial burden on patients.

Conclusion

The public health system is a backbone of India's health care infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in making health care accessible to all, especially the needy. As responsible citizens, we must demand better facilities, timely treatment, and support awareness campaigns to improve public health. At the same time, the government must ensure that hospitals and staff are accountable, and every citizen's Right to Life and Health is respected.

Why Do We Pay Taxes to the Government?

Paying taxes is one of the most important responsibilities of citizens in a country. The government collects taxes from people in various forms—such as income tax, goods and services tax (GST), excise duty, etc.—and uses this money for the welfare and development of the nation.

1. Taxes Help Provide Public Services

The money collected through taxes is used to provide essential public services that benefit everyone. These include:

• Defence: Protecting the country from external threats.

• Police and Judicial System: Maintaining law and order and ensuring justice for all.

• Highways and Infrastructure: Building and maintaining roads, bridges, and public transport systems.

Without taxes, it would be impossible for citizens to arrange these services individually. The government provides them for the collective good of society.

2. Taxes Fund Welfare and Developmental Programmes

The government runs several schemes and services that are especially meant to support underprivileged and needy sections of the society. These include:

• Education: Running government schools, providing free textbooks, mid-day meals, and scholarships.

• Healthcare: Setting up government hospitals and health centres where treatment is either free or very low-cost.

• Employment and Skill Development: Offering vocational training, job schemes like MGNREGA, and employment fairs.

• Social Welfare: Schemes for women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities such as pensions, housing, and ration subsidies.

3. Taxes Help in Disaster Management

In times of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and tsunamis, the government provides relief and rehabilitation to the affected people. This includes food, shelter, medical help, rebuilding homes and roads—all funded through taxpayers’ money.

4. Taxes Support Science and National Progress

Advanced sectors like space research (ISRO), nuclear energy, and missile technology are also funded by tax revenues. These not only improve national security but also bring global recognition to India’s achievements in science and technology.

5. Special Services for the Poor

The government provides certain essential services especially for the poor who cannot afford to buy them from the market. For example:

• Public Distribution System (PDS): Provides food grains at subsidised rates.

• Free education through schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

• Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable medicines.

• Subsidised LPG connections through Ujjwala Yojana.

• Low-cost housing under schemes like PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana).

Conclusion

Tax money is not just an amount we pay—it is our contribution to the growth and well-being of the nation. When we pay taxes honestly, we help the government serve every citizen—especially those who are poor, sick, or affected by disasters. Therefore, paying taxes is not a burden but a civic duty that keeps the country running smoothly and ensures development for all.