Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) is an incentive scheme that offers rewards of up to 50 lakh (based on population) to panchayats that successfully declare themselves open defecation free. Both the TSC and the NGP have been successful in accelerating access to sanitation. Between 2001-2005 alone 2.8 million toilets where constructed with usage ranging from 60-80 per cent all over India. But this is a small dent in the context of the magnitude of the problem — according to projections, it will take till 2024 to achieve 100 per cent sanitation.

However, weaknesses exist. One, the TSC continues to promote a subsidy regime, albeit lower than previous programmes, and states continue to focus on construction drives rather than health education. Two, the NGP programme lacks a rigorous evaluation procedure and thus runs the risk of deteriorating into a targeted numbers game rather than a reward for sustained behaviour change. Lastly, there is almost no effort at motivating and building capacity for officials implementing these programmes. This of course translates into poor delivery. Experience from states like Maharashtra suggests that panchayats are best placed to initiate change. But in practice they lack funds and capacity. Funds and technical support to panchayats to initiate communication programmes coupled with state-level rewards to better performing panchayats can go a long way in speeding up the sanitation process.

In the final analysis, however, it is all about policy priorities. There is no sustained commitment on the part of the government of India or the state government to push for better sanitary services. This is why events like the World Toilet Summit are so critical to India’s future.

... contd.