What are the main features of the new policy? 

The Government of India launched reform initiatives in the rural sanitation sector in 1999 by introducing a demand-driven, participatory, people centered programme called Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) which is being implemented in a campaign mode, taking district as a unit. Sanitation programme witnessed a paradigm shift in approach from an allocation based and supply driven programme to a demand-driven programme, from a top down to a participatory approach, from a high to low subsidy regime; and more importantly, it tries to generate a campaign in the entire district to highlight issues related to sanitation by involving all stakeholders. The key features of the shift in GoI policy has been listed in the Table below: 

What are the provisions of Community Complex in TSC?

Ans: Community Sanitary Complex is an important component of the TSC. Primarily these complexes should be constructed only when there is lack of space in the village for construction of household toilets and the community owns up the responsibility of their operation and maintenance. The ultimate aim is to ensure construction of maximum Individual Household latrines and construction of community complexes will be restricted to only when Individual household latrines cannot be constructed. These complexes can be set up in a place in the village acceptable to women/men/landless families and accessible to them. There is a maximum unit cost of Rs. 2.5 lakh prescribed for a community complex. Its’ design has to be approved by the National Scheme Sanctioning Committee. Sharing pattern amongst GOI, State Government and the beneficiaries is in the ratio of 60:20:20. Total expenditure proposed on Community Sanitary Complex and IHHL should be within the ceiling of 60 percent of the total project cost. The beneficiary contribution can be borne by the Panchayat.

What is the procedure of sanctioning of NGP?

Once the Government of India receives the Nirmal Gram Panchayat applications from the State Government, the same are scrutinized by the Screening Committee in the Department of Drinking Water Supply, which is headed by JS (DWS). The Screening Committee will screen the prima facie eligible applications and give the same to review teams to verify in the field. Three review teams based on Zones have been constituted which will verify the applications as found prima facie eligible by the Screening Committee.

• Zone 1: All NE States, Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Chattisgarh 
• Zone 2: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, GAO, Maharashtra and Gujarat 
• Zone 3: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. 
  On the basis of report submitted by the review teams, the Screening Committee will make recommendations to the National Committee of NGP headed by Secretary (DWS), which will finally approve the applications eligible for awards.

For What purpose can the incentive money be utilized?

The incentive to Panchayat Raj Institutions can be used for improving and maintaining sanitation facilities in their respective areas. The focus should be on solid and liquid waste disposal and maintenance of the sanitation standard.

What is Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC)? 

Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was launched in 1999 advocating a shift from high subsidy to a low subsidy regime, greater household involvement, demand responsiveness, and providing for the promotion of a range of toilet options to promote increased affordability. It also LAYS strong emphasis on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and social marketing for demand-generation for sanitation facilities, to set up a delivery system through Rural Sanitary Marts (RSMs) and Production Centers (PC) and a thrust on school sanitation. TSC is implemented in a campaign mode, taking district as a unit so that 100 percent saturation in terms of households, Anganwadi and school toilets can be attained which would result in significant health benefits.

Who can implement TSC at the district- level?

The TSC is being implemented in the districts of the States/Union Territories with support from the Government of India and the respective State/UT Governments. The States/UTs draw up a TSC Project for the select districts to claim GOI assistance. Selection of districts is to be done by the respective State/UT Governments. At the district level, Zila Panchayat implements the project. In case, Zila Panchayat is not functional, District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) can implement the TSC. Similarly, at the block and the Panchayat levels, Panchayat Samiti and respective Gram Panchayats are involved in the implementation of the TSC. Opposite diagram indicates the roles and responsibility of different institutions. 

What is the role of PRI in TSC implementation?

As per the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992, sanitation is included in the 11th Schedule and is the responsibility of the panchayat. At the district level, Zila Panchayat implements the project. Similarly, at the block and the Panchayat levels, Panchayat Samiti and respective Gram Panchayats are involved in the implementation of TSC. Gram Panchayats have the pivotal role in the implementation of the Total Sanitation Campaign with VO/ NGOs/ to mobilize for the construction of toilets and also maintain the clean environment by way of safe disposal of wastes. They have the main responsibility in the Operation and Management of the common facilities constructed. Panchayats can also contribute from their own resources for School and Anganwadi Sanitation. Panchayats may also open and operate the Production Centres/Rural Sanitary Marts.

Who can construct toilets under TSC? Can contractors be engaged for this work?
 
Beneficiaries themselves should construct the toilets and not the contractors. All the materials for toilet construction are available with Rural Sanitary Mart/Production Center located in each block. Depending on the financial condition of the beneficiary, they can themselves construct toilets by contributing their own labour or engaging a trained mason. The beneficiary himself should procure the materials. Contractors should not be engaged in any circumstances. 

What are the different agencies that can be involved for IEC in a district? 

The following agencies can be involved at the district level to carry out IEC campaigns: 

• Water and Sanitation Committee (DWSC)/core groups 
• PRIs at all levels 
• PHED/Panchayati Raj Engineering Department, NGO 
• Voluntary organizations 
• Youth organizations 
• School children and teachers 
• Anganwadis 
• Scouts and guides 
• Health workers 
• Social workers/religious and sect leaders 
• Women workers etc 

What is School Sanitation and Hygiene Education and what are the benefits of it?

School Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Education popularly known, as SSHE is a comprehensive and focussed programme intervention to promote children’s right to have healthy and clean environment, and improve health and hygiene status among children and community. SSHE offers several benefits to children, community and society at large. It attempts to reduce diarrhoea, intestinal worms, and eye infections and possibly reduces malaria and upper respiratory tract infections. It forms healthy habits in the future generation of adults and helps to improve sanitation and hygiene at home. Besides, it improves attendance in schools, especially of girls. For example in Bangladesh, a school sanitation programme increased girls' enrolment by 11 percent (UNICEF). 

What are the facilities to be provided at school level under SSHE?

The following facilities can be provided at school level: 

• Toilets & urinals 
• Hand washing facilities 
• Water supply facilities 
• Healthy class rooms & play grounds (lighting and ventilation) 
• Garbage pit & soakage pit 
• Drainage system