The political economy of the water industry in India
- 2010
- p.130-147.
- Jan-Mar
An important issue that that needs focussed attention while opening the private sector participation, include valid issues related to water entitlement for the poor and water as a fundamental right. The water laws in India lack clarity that would enable the creation of an efficient, just regulatory framework as well as institutionalised grievance redressal mechanism in the present set up. Unless the framework is created and in a functional format, it may be more prudent to take up a cautious approach when it comes to private participation in the sector. This lack of clarity pervades from the fundamental issues like who owns the water resources (the Union government, State government or the local bodies) to important questions such as water as a fundamental right to equitable entitlement of water. - Reproduced.