UPSC CSE Prelims
Urbanization Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — 2 and 3

The 'Right to the City' is a normative concept advocating inclusive urban citizenship, not a formally recognized universal human right with binding UN monitoring. Statement 1 is incorrect as UN-Habitat promotes this concept through the New Urban Agenda but does not monitor legally binding commitments. Statements 2 and 3 correctly capture the essence of this concept.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: 'Right to the City' is not an agreed universal human right; UN-Habitat does not monitor binding national commitments in this regard.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: This concept gives all inhabitants the right to reclaim public spaces, participate in governance, and shape their cities democratically.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The concept promotes inclusive urban citizenship, meaning basic services cannot be denied even to unauthorized colonies; Indian courts have upheld this under Article 21 (Right to Life).

📝 Short Notes: Right to the City

• Origin: Concept developed by French philosopher Henri Lefebvre (1968); popularized in urban planning discourse.
• Definition: Right of all inhabitants to use, occupy, govern, and enjoy cities that are just, inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
• Key Principles: Inclusive citizenship, non-discrimination, social function of land, democratic participation in urban governance.
• UN-Habitat & New Urban Agenda (2016): Promotes the concept but it remains aspirational, not legally binding.
• Indian Context: Courts have held that basic services (water, sanitation) cannot be denied to slum/unauthorized dwellers under Article 21.
• Beneficiaries: Migrants, slum dwellers, informal workers, residents of unauthorized settlements—all recognized as rights-bearing urban citizens.