Question : RURAL SANITATION

(a) whether the Government have launched rural sanitation programme in 1986 to improve the quality of life of the rural poor and to provide privacy and dignity to the women;

(b) if so, whether the Government have made any appraisal of the scheme;

(c) if so, the details of the shortcomings noticed;

(d) whether some States have not fully utilized the funds allocated to them under the scheme so far;

(e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government for the timely utilization of funds and effective implementation of the scheme?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(SHRI ANNASAHEB M.K.PATIL)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b & c) Baseline Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) in rural water supply and sanitation was conducted during 1996-97 by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. The major factors contributing to lower sanitation coverage are
(i) high priority for construction of latrines and low priority for Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
(ii) promotion of a single model i.e. standard twin pit pour flush latrine
(iii) heavy reliance on subsidy
(iv) inadequate participation of the beneficiaries, NGO and private sector and
(v) non involvement of community based institutions etc., In view of the findings and experience gained in the implementation the Programme has been restructured in 1999.

(d) & (e) Details of States which have not utilised the funds released to them under the Programme during 2001-2002 are given in Annex.

(f) States were advised to utilize the funds within the financial year itself. Besides, monitoring the Programme through Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Reports, Area Officers are also visiting the States for providing necessary guidance to the implementing agencies for effective implementation of the scheme.