New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- In a recent online conversation on the dismal state of urban infrastructure, a senior political leader all but admitted that government officials are incapable of delivering public works. When he suggested that willing private companies or industrialists take up the task of supervising the construction of roads, he was not only shifting the responsibility to private individuals, but was also resigned to the fact that public officials cannot do the job satisfactorily.

This is the same mindset that causes politicians to suggest that private companies 'adopt' parks, lakes and other public amenities under corporate social responsibility. It is also the logic that puts the onus of fulfilling the right to education on priv...