(a) the percentage increase in population in the country which has access to toilets since 2015;
(b) the status of rural open defecation in the country in comparison with other countries;
(c) whether measures are being taken to improve toilet usage and behavioural change towards sanitation among the rural population and if so, the details thereof ;and
(d) the percentage increase in the construction of toilets during the last two years, State/UT-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION
(SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)
(a) The percentage of households with access to toilets as on 1.1.2015 was 42.77% which has increased to 61.93% as on 16.3.2017. There is 19.16% increase in households in the country which has access to toilets since 1.1.2015.
(b) As per Joint Monitoring Report 2015, published by UNICEF and WHO, the rural open defecation in South Asian countries including India is as under :
S.N. Country Rural open defecation (%)
1. Afghanistan 17
2. Bangladesh 2
3. Bhutan 4
4. India 61
5. Maldives 0
6. Nepal 37
7. Pakistan 21
8. Srilanka 0
However, as per Online Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of Swachh Bharat Mission(Gramin), the rural open defecation as on 16.3.2017 is 38%
(c) The focus of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) is on behaviour change of people to adopt safe sanitation and use toilet. In order to educate the people, the programme lays emphasis on community involvement. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), upto 5% of total resources can be spent on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) for State and District level. 3% of the resources can be used at the Central level for the same purpose. Further for creating awareness about sanitation and generating demand for sanitation facilities, including toilets, a Sanitation and Hygiene Advocacy and Communication Strategy Framework has been adopted by the Ministry for activities under Information, Education and Communication (IEC). States are preparing and implementing State and district level IEC Plans based on this strategy framework. Massive media campaigns have been started at National level using Audio Visual (TV) and Audio (Radio).
(d) State/UT-wise, the percentage increase in the construction of toilets during the last two years is at Annexure-1.