It will take a while before the country becomes ‘open defecation free’ (ODF), says minister of state for rural development (drinking water supply and sanitation) Agatha Sangma.

The rural development ministry has set 2012 as the deadline for the total sanitation campaign (TSC), the campaign to make the country ODF. The minister, however, feels it is an unrealistic target and the ministry will not be able to meet it.

“There are variety of reasons for which we will miss the deadline said the minster. Some the reasons, she said are, cultural barriers and beliefs, insufficient funds and non cooperation of states,” Sangma told Governance Now in an interview.

She, however, said her ministry is seized of the importance of the making the country ODF. “Since it has a direct bearing on the health of the people and to an extent on the tourism sector, the ministry will ensure the target is achieved as early as possible."

The Total Sanitation Campaign (TCS) is a comprehensive programme to ensure sanitation facilities in rural areas with broader goal to eradicate the practice of open defecation.

TSC as a part of reform principles was initiated in 1999 when Central Rural Sanitation Programme was restructured making it demand driven and people centered.

It follows a principle of “low to no subsidy” where a nominal subsidy in the form of incentive is given to rural poor households for construction of toilets. TSC gives strong emphasis on information, education and communication, capacity building and hygiene education for effective behaviour change with involvement of panchayati raj institutions, community based organisations, and NGOs.