SANITATION AND TOILETS : Government Schemes to Make India Open Defecation Free

SANITATION AND TOILETS

Open Defecation Free (ODF) India is a transformative initiative that has brought about significant improvements in sanitation and public health. Launched in 2014 as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign), ODF India aimed to eradicate the practice of open defecation by constructing millions of toilets across the country.

This ambitious campaign focused on behavior change and infrastructure development, encouraging individuals and communities to adopt proper sanitation practices. As a result, India made remarkable progress in reducing open defecation rates, enhancing hygiene, and minimizing the spread of waterborne diseases.

ODF India represents a critical milestone in improving the overall well-being and dignity of its citizens, promoting access to clean and safe sanitation facilities, and achieving a healthier, more sustainable future for the nation.

India has a long and ignominious history of open defecation. In 2014, over 50% of Indians defecated in the open, exposing themselves and their communities to a host of health risks, including diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid. The practice also contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as dysentery and hepatitis A.

In recent years, the Indian government has taken a number of steps to address this problem. One of the most important initiatives has been the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission), which was launched in 2014. The mission aims to make India open defecation free by 2020.

The Swachh Bharat Mission has a number of components, including:

• Construction of toilets: The mission provides financial assistance to households to construct toilets. The government provides a subsidy of up to INR 12,000 (US$160) per toilet for households below the poverty line.
• Sanitation awareness: The mission raises awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene. This includes educating people about the health risks of open defecation and how to use toilets properly.
• Solid waste management: The mission promotes the proper disposal of solid waste. This includes building toilets with septic tanks or biogas systems, and providing garbage bins for the collection of solid waste.

The Swachh Bharat Mission has been successful in making significant progress in reducing open defecation in India. According to a 2019 survey, the open defecation rate has fallen to 35%. However, there is still more work to be done.

In addition to the Swachh Bharat Mission, there are a number of other government schemes that are working to make toilets in India. These include:

• Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign): This campaign was launched in 2009 and aims to make India free from open defecation, unhygienic practices, and manual scavenging.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (Prime Minister’s People’s Wealth Scheme): This scheme provides financial assistance to the poor to open bank accounts and access financial services. The scheme also promotes the construction of toilets in rural areas.
• Pradhan Mantri Gramin Drinking Water Scheme (Prime Minister’s Rural Drinking Water Scheme): This scheme provides financial assistance to rural areas to improve drinking water facilities. The scheme also promotes the construction of toilets in rural areas.

These are just a few of the government schemes that are working to make toilets in India. These schemes have made significant progress in reducing open defecation and improving sanitation in India. However, there is still more work to be done. The government needs to continue to invest in these schemes and raise awareness about the importance of sanitation.

In addition to government schemes, there are a number of other organizations that are working to make toilets in India. These include:

• Sulabh International: This organization works to promote sanitation and hygiene in India. Sulabh International has constructed over 10 million toilets in India.
• WaterAid India: This organization works to improve access to water and sanitation in India. WaterAid India has constructed over 2 million toilets in India.
• UNICEF India: This organization works to improve the lives of children in India. UNICEF India has supported the construction of over 1 million toilets in India.

These organizations are playing a vital role in making toilets in India. They are working to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation, construct toilets, and provide sanitation education.

The government, organizations, and individuals are all working together to make toilets in India. This is a long-term challenge, but it is one that is being made progress on. With continued effort, India can become a country where everyone has access to a safe and hygienic toilet.

The success of these schemes has been due to a number of factors, including:

• Strong political will: The Swachh Bharat Mission has been a top priority for the Indian government. This has ensured that the mission has received the necessary resources and support.
• Community participation: The Swachh Bharat Mission has involved communities in the construction and maintenance of toilets. This has helped to ensure that the toilets are used and maintained properly.
• Innovation: The government has supported the development of innovative toilet technologies, such as solar-powered toilets and biogas toilets. These technologies have made it easier and more affordable to construct toilets in rural areas.

The Swachh Bharat Mission is a significant achievement for the Indian government. It has made significant progress in reducing open defecation.