Promoting sanitation through decentralised governance : a case study of Rajukhedi Panchayat in India

Despite advances in coverage, sanitation in India still only reaches 36% of the population; even if the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) is reached, half a billion Indians will not have access to safe sanitation. The downside of supply-driven programmes is centrally recognised and the new programme Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) is demanddriven in theory. In practice, however, the fact that it is centrally driven has led it to be a numbers game and so the pitfalls of latrinisation afflict it. The experience of Rajukhedi Panchayat shows how, through the efforts of a  particularly active Gram Sabha and the local community, open defecation can be eradicated. The keys to this progress have been a combination of the community learning about the key issues, and deciding to take responsibility. The health and financial benefits are significant
and clear, to the extent that surrounding Panchayats have followed suit. [authors abstract]