Critical analysis of policies and programmes of sanitation sector in India
Student name: Mr Ankit Tulsyan
Guide: Dr Papiya Guha Mazumdar
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr M P Ram Mohan
Abstract: Despite several programmes being launched since 1980’s to increase sanitation
coverage and use of sanitary facilities, the improved sanitation coverage in India
stands at 36% and open defecation rate is at 48% (597 million) (JMP , 2014)
with wide variation between rural and urban India.
In light of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) being launched with a massive
investment of INR 2 lakh crore, the current study analyzed the policies and
programmes in sanitation sector of India and also reviewed the successful case
of reducing open–defecation to single digits in Bangladesh from more than 30%
at the beginning of 1990’s.
The key findings of the study for low sanitation coverage in rural areas are poor
utilization of programme funds, including the IEC funds (45-47%) and
overemphasis on toilet construction without keeping rural preferences in context.
While for urban sanitation, poor implementation of sanitation projects (ILCS
45% and JNNURM 28%), overemphasis on water supply and centralized
sanitation network, inadequate attention to sanitation facilities in urban areas
particularly slums, and lack of institutional strength in non-metro’s cities have
been found to be the key factors.
The underlying reasons for rampant Open-defecation in India has been found to
be linked with Vedic sanctions, which suggests latrine to be located at an arrow
throw distance from the house, and because of gaps in infrastructure.
Few recommendations of the study includes prioritizing faecal sludge
management in the current sanitation policy framework, increasing synergy
between governmental and non-governmental actors, institutional strengthening
till the grassroots level, capacity building through talent attraction in public
sector, emphasizing on community toilets for improving urban coverage,
prioritizing eco-sanitation and resource recovery, enabling micro-financing
ecosystem for funding toilets construction and launching IEC campaigns
recognizing hand washing at critical points.
Keywords: Open-Defecation, Behavioral Change, Eco-Sanitation, Institutional
Strengthening, Faecal Sludge Management
