Any move to privatise drinking water supply is against the provisions of the Constitution. The State has already formed a policy to privatise urban water supply. Privatisation of public services will end up affecting the common public.
Dr Kshitij Urs of Action Aid made these observations in a workshop on Development and people’s participation organised by Urban Research Centre on Friday.
He said private players enter public service sectors in the name of offering free consultancy. Gradually they take over the entire project and make money.
Mr Urs said the government promotes privatisation thinking that it would bring in investments. In reality, privatisation does not bring investments at all. Projects funded by the World Bank and other international agencies end up yielding profit for the private players, he remarked.
Katyayini Chamaraj said ward sabhas have not come into existence because of the state government’s inaction.