Ensure education, hygiene, healthcare in rural areas: SC, Pg 12

Key Highlights

SCs Remarks on Rural Development Priorities

• SC dismissed a plea to direct States to set up public libraries in every village.
• Justice Surya Kant emphasized basic amenities like hygiene, education, and healthcare must take precedence in rural infrastructure.
• Libraries are important but not the most urgent rural requirement.

Budgetary Allocation Direction

• Court stated that 10%15% of States budgets must be earmarked for basic rural infrastructure to realize development goals.

Perspective on Libraries

• Libraries help spread constitutional and civic values but are secondary to urgent needs like mid-day meals, water, and schooling infrastructure.
• Petitioner NGO was asked if it had conducted surveys on health and education availability, highlighting the need for data-backed petitions.

India-specific Angle

• SC urged States to prioritize as per local realities, considering both constitutional literacy and ground-level needs.
• Emphasized need for policy discretion by States, not judicial imposition on budget decisions.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the role of the judiciary in shaping public policy priorities in India. Should the courts direct States on budgetary allocations? Substantiate with examples."