(a) whether many experts and Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the
water sector have urged the Union Government to recognize peoples access to safe water
as a fundamental human right;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the said experts and NGOs have demanded to do away with the clause in the
Draft National Water Policy, 2012 which suggests that water services be privatised; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Access to safe water for drinking and other domestic needs being
a problem in many areas, there have been demands from various quarters especially from NGOs
for recognizing peoples access to safe water as a fundamental human right.
(c) No, Madam. There is no clause in the National Water Policy, 2012 which recommends
privatization of water services.
(d) Does not arise in view of reply to part (c).