World bank critical of India's total sanitation campaign -Governance Now

World bank critical of India's total sanitation campaign

On a scale of 100, it awarded 58 for the total process and 48 for sustaining it

Brajesh Kumar | June 8, 2011

The World Bank administered Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) has trashed India’s total sanitation campaign (TSC) calling it low on sustainability.

On a scale of 100, it awarded 58 for the total process and 48 for sustaining it.

TSC is a comprehensive programme to ensure sanitation facilities in rural areas with broader goal to eradicate the practice of open defecation.

Under TSC the ministry gives cash incentives called Nirmal Gram Puruskar (NGP) to panchayati raj institution that achieve open defecation free (ODF) status.

In 2010, RD ministry’s dept of drinking water supply (DDWS) commissioned a study on impact and sustainability of NGP.

The report released on May 26, while applauded TSC coverage, it said ‘processes to prevent slippage are weak.’

Some of the conclusions arrived at by WSP are as follows

• Rewards and recognition for officials working on TSC can be a powerful motivator

• High performers tend to follow TSC Guidelines in letter and spirit

• Outcomes depend on HOW money is spent rather than HOW MUCH money is available

• Sanitation is a habit and high performers focus on collective behavior change rather than toilet construction

• At district level, TSC competes for priority with other programs. There is a provision to get staff on deputation/contract but many positions were found vacant

• Low performers tend to focus is on household toilet coverage rather than achieving 100% ODF

• Inter-dept coordination is a weakness

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