A closer look at India’s open defecation mission in villages of Bikaner and what it means for its women and girls
It is indeed a matter of concern that even 75 years after gaining independence, a significant section of India's population still finds itself compelled to practice open defecation. As per the 2011 census, a staggering 53.1% of households in the country did not have access to proper toilet facilities. This unfortunate reality has far-reaching consequences, especially for women and girls, who not only endure psychological distress but also suffer adverse health effects due to the necessity of venturing outdoors. Open defecation not only subjects women and girls to psychological trauma but also has a detrimental impact on their overall health. The absence of household toilets often forces them to travel considerable distances before sunrise, putting their safety in jeopardy. This daily ordeal exposes them to various health risks.
Although the government of Rajasthan, on April 3, 2018, declared 43,344 villages, along with 295 panchayat samitis and 9,894-gram panchayats, as open defecation-free, signifying that toilets had been constructed in every household within these regions, the on-ground situation often deviates from official declarations. Despite this official declaration, numerous households in Binjarwadi village, situated in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, still lack proper toilet facilities. This incongruity highlights the challenges of translating government initiatives into tangible benefits for all citizens.
Jashoda, a resident of the village, has shared that following the construction of household toilets, women no longer need to venture into the open, particularly during their menstrual cycles. This substantial improvement in health conditions and the reduction in the prevalence of diseases is noteworthy. However, she shares that there are houses that do not have toilets to date. She remains uncertain about whether her village has been officially declared open-defecation-free and is unaware of the reasons behind the absence of toilets in some households. Jashoda acknowledges that a lack of awareness has led many villagers to miss out on various government schemes.
Mani Ram, a dedicated social worker from the same village, recounts that when a majority of households lacked toilets, women and girls faced significant hardships. In 2014-15, nearly 90% of households in Binjarwadi did not have access to toilets. To address this issue, he tirelessly encouraged villagers to construct toilets within their homes, elucidating not only the health advantages but also facilitating loans for construction. Although initial resistance and adherence to traditional beliefs were obstacles, sustained awareness campaigns eventually led to the recognition of the significance of in-house toilets.
Nevertheless, challenges persist, including bureaucratic inefficiencies in disbursing funds for toilet construction. Despite these difficulties, individuals like Mani Ram remain unwavering in their commitment to eradicating open defecation. Another dedicated social worker, Neelam, underscores that while India has initiated the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, numerous places, families, and villages still lack adequate sanitation facilities. Access to clean and safe toilets is of paramount importance, particularly for women and girls, as it is an essential requirement during menstruation.
Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that no household is left behind in this monumental government initiative. To achieve this, a keen focus on the grassroots level at the panchayat level becomes imperative. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, operating under the Central Ministry of Jal Shakti, recently reported that over 4,31,350 villages across the nation have self-proclaimed themselves as "ODF Plus." While this news brings a sense of optimism, it is essential to scrutinise how effectively this campaign has been translated into real-world impact. These issues are intricately connected to the self-esteem and dignity of women and girls. Addressing them with utmost diligence is necessary to ensure that this initiative moves beyond paperwork and yields tangible results at the community level.
(The writer is a student from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Views expressed are personal, Charkha Features)
