(a) whether 60% of the worldpopulation which is defecating in the openlive in India ;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether South Asia has the highestpopulation defecating in open and if so,the details thereof;
(d) whether poverty and lack ofinfrastructure are the major reasons behindpoor sanitation condition in the countryand if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken by the UnionGovernment in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION
(SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)
(a) and (b) As per Joint Monitoring Programme Report published in 2015, 59.43% of the world population which is defecating in the open live in India. However as per Online Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, 42.85% rural population defecates in open as on 21.11.2016.
(c) As per Joint Monitoring Programme Report-2015, 34% population of South Asia defecate in open, which is highest in any region of the world.
(d) Poverty and lack ofinfrastructure are some of the major reasons behindpoor sanitation. However, Sanitation is primarily a behavioral issue. It involves change of mindset amongst people to stop open defecation and to adopt safe sanitation practices.
(e) The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) has been launched on 2nd October, 2014, which aims at attaining Swachh Bharat by 2nd October 2019.The incentive to eligible beneficiaries for construction of toilet has increased from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 12000 with effect from 2nd October, 2014. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) is also laying more focus on behaviour change and usage of toilets. The focus on capacity building has been increased. State level workshops involving all the key stakeholders such as Collectors, CEO, Zilla Panchayats, Chairmen Zilla Panchayats etc. have been held in different States. The Government of India has also undertaken direct training of Collectors. The Centre-State coordination has been increased through increased visits to States, coordination meetings, and reviews. There is also a renewed focus on behavior change communication.