File No.S-18011/24/2015-SBM(Pt.I)

Government of India

Ministry of Jal Shakti
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)

4th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan

CGO Complex, Lodhi Road

New Delhi-110003

Dated: 27th September, 2019

To

The Chief Secretaries

All States/ UTs
 

Subject: - Advisory for adoption of non-coercive approach and ensuring that no one is left behind

under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)

Madam/Sir,

As you are aware, positive behaviour change for adoption of safe sanitation practices as well as ensuring that no one is left behind, are key to achieve the goal of the Swachh Bharat Mission. In the last five years, tireless efforts have been made by village motivators, elected panchayat officials, community-based organizations and government officials to undertake behaviour change communication to encourage rural households to stop defecating in the open and use toilets instead. This massive jan andolan has led to an unprecedented change in the rural sanitation situation of the country. People from all walks of life have shown an exemplary commitment towards making India Open Defecation Free (ODF).

However, some recent media reports have been brought to the notice of this Department which are showing that certain forms of inappropriate actions, extreme coercive actions (particularly instance of Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh), are still being practiced. In this regard this Department had already issued advisory on 25^th July 2017 suggesting the States to avoid any coercive measures for ensuring construction and usage of toilets. It is reiterated that coercive action taken by anybody, including government or elected officials or private individuals with respect to sanitation behaviour of any kind is totally unacceptable under any circumstance. In such cases, the concerned authorities should prosecute the guilty to the fullest extent of the applicable law.

It is also reiterated that Central and State Governments are fully committed to the achievement and sustaining of open defecation status across rural India. As per the advisories issued on 31^st July 2019 and  7^th August 2019, it is reiterated that no one should be left behind, and that if there is any eligible beneficiary who has been left out, the concerned State and district should ensure that this basic service is speedily provided.

It is requested to ensure urgent necessary action on all the above points.

Yours faithfully,

(Arun Baroka)

Additional Secretary to the Government of India

Tele: 011-24362192

E-mail: arun.baroka[at]nic[dot]in