India Backsliding on Many Important Health Indicators, Need for Transparent Sanitation Audit: Jairam Ramesh
Congress Alleges Declining Toilet Usage, Calls for Transparent Sanitation Audit
New Delhi, December 2 – The Indian National Congress party has accused the Modi government of repackaging the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, a sanitation campaign initiated by the previous UPA government in 2011. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleges that the usage of toilets in India has been declining since 2018, with a significant impact on marginalized communities.
Ramesh highlighted that over 25 percent of rural households in India still do not regularly use toilets, contradicting the government’s claims of achieving an open defecation-free country. He also referred to a report from the World Bank, titled World Bank papers show ‘most concerning’ decline in toilet usage. Withdrawn ‘under pressure’ later, published by The Print, which supports the need for an open and transparent audit of toilet usage and sanitation in India.
The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched in September 2011 got repackaged and rebranded as Swachh Bharat Mission. The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan had launched massive programs to make every gram panchayat Open Defecation Free. It had started popularizing the use of biotoilets in trains. Swachhata Doots like Vidya Balan were mobilized, explained Ramesh.
He further emphasized, Now, a report from the World Bank shows that the repackaged Swachh Bharat Mission, launched after so much hype, has not been sustained. Usage of toilets has been declining in India since 2018, with the decline most concentrated among SC and ST communities.
Ramesh criticized the Modi government for diverting attention away from sanitation efforts. He claimed that staff for sanitation had been reduced, potentially impacting the progress made in improving sanitation conditions in the country. Ramesh also expressed concern over delayed payments, stating that these factors contribute to the decline in toilet usage.
In light of these issues, Ramesh stressed the importance of conducting an open and transparent audit of toilet usage and sanitation in India, along with reversing budget cuts. He argued that such an audit is urgently needed, particularly as India has been backsliding on crucial health indicators since 2014, with notable increases in anaemia and child malnutrition.
The World Bank report, mentioned by Ramesh, faced backlash from the Modi government and was subsequently withdrawn. However, Ramesh urged the government to refrain from suppressing data and instead focus on addressing the critical issue at hand.
With the aim of improving public health and sanitation conditions across India, it is crucial for the government to prioritize transparent accountability and take immediate action to reverse the decline in toilet usage. As efforts to combat health challenges and promote hygiene remain a priority, a comprehensive and independent audit of sanitation practices will be key in paving the way for positive change.
India must address the concerns highlighted by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and work towards a future where every Indian has access to clean and safe sanitation facilities, leading to improved health outcomes for all.
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