Does availability of good health and educational facilities depend only on amount of money spent by the government on these facilities? What other factors could be relevant?
No, the availability of good health and educational facilities does not depend only on the amount of money spent by the government. Money by itself is not a completely adequate indicator of material goods and services that citizens are able to use.
Other relevant factors include collective provision of goods and services, which is often the best and cheapest way. A pollution-free environment and unadulterated medicines cannot always be bought with money. Protection from infectious diseases requires the whole community to take preventive steps together.
Additionally, facilities depend on whether society provides adequate infrastructure. In many areas, children, particularly girls, cannot go to high school because adequate facilities have not been provided. The belief that government should open schools for all children is also crucial.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly explains that money alone cannot buy all essential goods and services. Kerala has better health indicators than Haryana despite lower per capita income because of adequate provision of basic facilities. The chapter emphasizes collective provision, community participation in preventive health measures, and societal support as key factors beyond just government spending.