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Government of India had launched Central Rural Sanitation Programme (CRSP) in the year 1986 with the objective of accelerating sanitation coverage in rural areas. CRSP was restructured in the year 1999 exhibiting a paradigm shift in the approach and Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was introduced. At present, TSC is the only rural sanitation programme implemented by Ministry of Rural Development.

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 gives 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.

Sanitation was never perceived as a priority especially in rural areas where open space was readily available until today albeit the growth of population and urbanization. GOI launched the first Central Rural Sanitation Programme (CRSP) in 1986. It hinged on substantial subsidy as a means for “creating demand” for household toilets, which was soon found to be strategically weak. Constructing toilets was a dynamics of need, an understanding of its importance, financial capability and availability of hardware and skilled masons. Of the sanitary pour-flush toilets constructed in the decade of the eighties and nineties, less than 50% were found in use due to many reasons i.e. lack of awareness, poor construction standards, emphasis on high cost designs, absence of participation on the part of beneficiaries, etc. The CRSP had also neglected school sanitation, which is considered as one of the vital components of sanitation. Also, CRSP failed to have a linkage with various local institutions like ICDS, Mahila Samakhya, women, PRIs, NGOs, research institutions, SHGs, etc.

Realizing weaknesses in CRSP, various experiments were carried out in the country. With the assistance of Rama Krishna Mission Lok Shiksha Parishad (RKMLSP), Narenderpur, West Bengal and UNICEF, one such experiment was made in Midnapur district of West Bengal where approximately 800,000 toilets were constructed by the rural people without any subsidy from Central or State Government. This successful model later on became the basis for revamping the Central Rural Sanitation Programme.
In addition, a Baseline Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in rural water supply and sanitation was conducted during 1996-97 by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, which showed that 55% of those with private latrines were self-motivated. Only 2% of the respondents claimed the existence of subsidy as a motivating factor.

What are the main features of the new policy?

GOI 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. TSC follows 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:

A comprehensive Baseline Survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices in rural water supply and sanitation was conducted during 1996-97 by the Indian Institute of Mass communication, Delhi, which showed that 55 percent of those with private latrines were self motivated. Only 2 percent of the respondents claimed the existence of subsidy as the major motivating factor, while 54 percent claimed to have gone in for sanitary latrines due to convenience and privacy. The study revealed that 51 percent beneficiaries were willing to spend up to Rs. 1000/- to acquire sanitary toilets. The study also documented the inter-sectoral and institutional linkages especially in the case of Midnapur in West Bengal where a collaborative effort among an NGO, the PRIs and the State Government had produced startling results.

The entire effort of the TSC is to make the programme 'community led' and 'people centered' with increased stress on awareness creation and demand generation from the people for sanitary facilities in houses, schools and Anganwadis. Alternate delivery mechanisms would be adopted to meet the community needs. TSC rests on the following principles:
Ø Low to no subsidy: Sanitation is way of life and should be practiced and owned by people. Recent studies show that subsidy is not a motivating factor for owning sanitary facilities. If awareness is created, people are ready to pay for acquiring such facilities.
Ø Focus on awareness generation (IEC): An informed and sensitized effort ensures the acceptability of sanitation facilities. The creative and extensive use of IEC has been taken as the key to mobilize community and create awareness on sanitation issues as well as generate demand for sanitation facilities under TSC.
Ø Community centered approach: Acceptability and community participation are related. TSC lays heavy emphasis on community participation for greater ownership of the programme. TSC ensures community participation at all levels of planning, management and maintenance.
Ø Demand responsive approach: TSC is not a target oriented or a supply driven program and, emphasizes on demand generation through social mobilization for sanitary facilities in houses & schools.
Ø Supply chain: TSC intends to develop alternate delivery mechanisms to meet community needs by providing for stronger back up systems such as trained masons and building materials through rural sanitary marts and production centers. The RSMs (see components) are serving as outreach institutions to disseminate information, stimulate demand through motivators and solicit “orders” from households for sanitary toilets.
Ø School Sanitation and Hygiene Education: Rural School Sanitation has been conceptualized as an entry point for wider acceptance of sanitation by the rural people by providing water and sanitation facilities in the schools/Aganwadis and, promoting the desired behavioural changes by imparting hygiene education, linking the same to home & community.

Ø Involvement of PRIs and NGOs: Decentralized institutional structure is the key to sustainability. As per the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992, sanitation is included in the 11th Schedule. Accordingly, 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 O&M of the common facilities created. Panchayats can also contribute from their own resources for School Sanitation. Panchayats and NGOs can also open and operate the Production Centres/Rural Sanitary Marts. NGOs are also actively involved in IEC activities as well as in hardware activities.

Start-Up Activities: This includes initial publicity, motivational campaign, conducting of preliminary survey to assess the demand with the aim to prepare the District TSC project proposals for seeking Government of India assistance. Conducting Base Line Survey (BLS) and Project Implementation Plan (PIP) preparation is part of start up activity.
IEC Activities: Information, Education and Communication (IEC) are the important components of the programme, which intend to create the demand for sanitary facilities in the rural areas. The IEC also focuses on health and hygiene practices and environmental sanitation aspects.
Rural Sanitary Marts and Production Centres: The Rural Sanitary Mart is an outlet dealing with materials required for construction of not only sanitary latrines but also other sanitary facilities required for individuals, families and schools in the rural areas. The main aim of having a RSM is to provide materials and guidance needed for constructing different types of latrines and other sanitary facilities, which are technologically and financially suitable to the rural areas. Production Centers are the means to improve production of cost effective affordable sanitary materials. To run RSMs and PCs, PRIs, NGOs and SHGs may be involved at district, block and village level.
Individual Household Latrines (IHHL): TSC aims to cover both BPL and APL families. But BPL families are eligible for subsidies (incentives), which are available for low cost basic unit and shared between Government of India, State Govts and beneficiary. A minimum of 25 percent of funds for IHHL are marked for SC/ST community and 3 percent of IHHL toilets are to be constructed for disabled persons.
Community Sanitary Complex: Community Sanitary Complex is an important component of the TSC. These Complexes can be set up in a place in the village acceptable to people and accessible to them.
School Sanitation: Children are more receptive to new ideas and school is an appropriate institution for changing the behaviour, mindset and habits of children from open defecation to the use of lavatory through motivation and education. School Sanitation, and Hygiene Education, therefore, forms an integral part of every TSC Project. Toilets in all types of Government Schools i.e. Primary, Upper Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary and Aganwadis are planned to be constructed. Emphasis is laid on toilets for girls in the Schools.
Administrative Charges: The Administrative Charges include money spent on training, salary of temporary staff deployed during project period, support services, fuel charges, vehicle hire charges, stationery, and monitoring & evaluation of TSC project.

What is the implementation period of TSC?

TSC implementation in the Project Districts is expected to take about 4 years. However maximum implementation period per project is 5 years.

The TSC is being implemented in the districts of the States/UTs with support from the GOI 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.

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 O&M 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.

NGOs have an important role in the implementation of TSC in the rural areas. They may be involved in IEC activities as well as in setting up PCs or RSMs.. Their services are required to be utilized not only for bringing about awareness among the rural people for the need of rural sanitation but also ensuring that they actually make use of the sanitary latrines. NGOs may also open and operate Production Centres and Rural Sanitary Marts. However, only, dedicated and motivated NGOs should be involved in TSC implementation.

14. What is the sanction procedure of TSC project?
TSC is implemented on a campaign mode, taking district as a unit. Once the respective state decides the districts for implementation of the TSC, TSC project proposals are prepared district wise indicating baseline data related to sanitation, the requirement of hardware, IEC strategy, human resource development plan, and implementation strategy. The projects are submitted by the State Govt. to the Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, GOI and are scrutinized by Dept. of Drinking Water Supply. If found suitable and conforming to the TSC principles and guidelines, they are placed before the National Scheme Sanctioning Committee (NSSC). The Secretary, Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development is the Chairman of the NSSC and, there are six other members in the NSSC. Two members are officials of the Government of India viz., Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of Rural Development and the Joint Secretary, Dept. of Drinking Water Supply. Four experts in the rural sanitation field are the non-official members. After NSSC approves the projects, the Central share of the approved outlay is released to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) in four installments.
15. Is it possible to revise the project once sanctioned and what is the procedure for such revision?
Yes, it is possible to revise the projects once sanctioned. The initial project is usually sent to GOI based on tentative assessment of uncovered BPL/APL population with sanitation facilities. After conducting baseline survey, and preparing project Implementation Plan, the physical and financial items approved in each TSC project may require some change.
So, based on the findings of BLS and PIP, a revised project proposal may be prepared by each district. However following norms will be followed for approving revision in the TSC project:

The revised project report should be prepared based on the findings of BLS and PIP. The accurate statistics should be furnished in the project report.
Such revision is allowed only once in the project cycle.
Only those projects are taken up for revision where state government has released its corresponding share.
Only those projects where implementation is going on properly are considered for revision. For this purpose, projects, which have received at least 60% of total outlay of Central share, are eligible.

What is the procedure for release of second or subsequent installment of Central funds under TSC?

Baseline Survey results and Project Implementation Plan should be submitted before claiming the 2nd installment
The second and subsequent installments are released only if the expenditure is at least 60% of the available funds. This is counted separately for Centre and State share.
Submission of progress reports and separate utilization certificates for Central and state shares are in the prescribed formats.
Submission of account duly audited by Chartered Accountant.
The last installment will be released only if the expenditure is at least 80% of the available funds (separately for Centre and State) and on submission of Utilization and AG Certificate /Chartered Accountant Certificate of previous years.
The proposal for release of 2nd or subsequent installment should be sent by the District Implementing Agency through the concerned administrative Department in the State Government dealing with Rural Sanitation.
The detailed instructions and prescribed formats are given in revised guidelines as well as hosted on the website: www.ddws.nic.in
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 RSM/PC 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.

There is a provision of administrative expenses (up to 5% of TSC project). However maximum amount of Rs.40.00 is permitted as administrative expenses in any TSC project. Under this, 3 consultants having specialization in the fields of Communication, HRD, School Sanitation and Monitoring may be hired.

Start Up Activity

1. What is the relevance of start up activity in TSC?
Under TSC, ‘Start Up’ Activity has been given the prime importance in the initial stage.
The start up activities includes

Once these activities are undertaken, it would be easy to implement the programme.
2.      What is the financial provision for start up activity under TSC?
Total cost for the start up activities is fully met from GOI assistance and it should not exceed 5% of the total project outlay. Normally not more than Rs.20 lakh is sanctioned for this purpose in any TSC project.
3.      When should one conduct baseline Survey (BLS) and Project Implementation Plan (PIP)?
Immediately after receiving funds from GOI the Baseline Survey should be conducted. Detailed BLS is carried out through house-to-house visit to assess the individual demand of household latrine, school toilets, Anganwadi toilets and Community Sanitary Complex. It also finds out the nature of soil, subsoil, water for examining, suitability of soak pits and toilets. The results of BLS of a village form the basis of assessment and preparation of project proposal for seeking Government assistance. Project Implementation Plan (PIP) is to be prepared immediately after baseline survey, which is to be taken up after the district receives the 1st installment of the Govt. of India share under TSC project. BLS and PIP may be conducted by the department or NGO or any other agency fixed by the department. However now it has been decided by the department that before sending the TSC proposal the baseline survey should be conducted. For this purpose an adhoc grant of Rs.10 lakh is released to the district.
4.      What is the financial provision in TSC for BLS and PIP preparation?
The cost of BLS and PIP preparation can be met from the fund sanctioned for start up activities in the TSC project. For new projects Rs.10.00 lakh is being released for taking up BLS and PIP as well as other required start up activity.

Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
1.      What is the relevance of IEC in TSC?
In the past supply driven CRSP was implemented under which large number of toilets have been constructed. Unfortunately, this massive effort could not achieve the desirable success, as the toilets were not put to use largely due to lack of demand, lack of participation in programme implementation and, lack of awareness among the community regarding health and hygiene aspects of safe drinking water and clean sanitation facilities. Therefore under TSC, GOI seeks to educate the public; create awareness among them regarding good health and proper hygiene; provide solutions to areas in need; build alliances with like minded organizations and the community as a whole; and create long term success by facilitating community involvement and ownership. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) main role is to create awareness and to bring about hygiene behavioral changes.
2.      What is the financial provision for IEC?
IEC funding will be in the ratio of 80:20 between GOI and State Government and the Total IEC cost should not be less than 15 percent of the project outlay. There is a substantial amount of allocation made for IEC in each TSC project.
3.      What are the techniques of communication?
There are various techniques of communication, which include mass communication as well as inter personal communication. These are illustrated below: However there is no fixed formula. The techniques will vary form village to village, according to their specific problems.
Mass Communication –Mass Communication technique helps in providing information to large audience in a short time. The communication process is information centered and for awareness creation. In certain case, it results in change in cognitive level but change of attitude for expected behavioural change cannot be achieved through mass communication
Mass Media

pamphlets, newsletter/bulletins, calendars, wall writing, newspaper, magazine
Traditional Media

and festivals, bulletin or public notice boards, drum beater, local entertainment artists
Interpersonal Communication – Interpersonal communication differs from other forms of communication in that there are few participants involved, the interacts are in close physical proximity to each other and feedback is immediate. The campaigner should introduce himself/herself to local authorities, local leaders and community and brief them about the programme. This will make the work easier and help the programme managers to get adequate support from everybody. Home contact drive, group meetings, focus group discussion, different indoor games like ludo, jigsaw puzzle, building blocks, as well as outdoor games, jingles, slogans, pada yatra, adopting influence of the community and religious leaders, respected elderly person etc are part of interpersonal communication. The campaigner should take a round of the village, go from door to door to know the people, talk to them, try to find their day to day problems and gain their confidence. He/She should know about the existing water and sanitation situation, prevailing practices and health risks in the village. This will give a right direction to the campaign. At every step special care should be take to involve the women of the village. Some of the institutions that could be effectively involved for creating awareness are school teachers and children, Anganwadis workers, scout and guides, NSS, NCC, religious and charitable organization and community based organizations.
4. 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:

5.      Which are the TSC districts, which have done good IEC activities?
TSC project in Mednipore, Burdwan, Murshidabad in West Bengal, South Tripura in Tripura, Sangli in Maharashtra, Ramanthapuram in Tamil Nadu have taken up good IEC activities in their programme.
Capacity Building
1.      What is Capacity Building?
Capacity Building provides adequate knowledge on TSC and related topics to all the stakeholders at different levels at requisite times. It builds up and enhances necessary skills for various activities from pre planning stage till the life span of the project. As a result there is attitudinal, behavioural changes among the stakeholders. This is done to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, implementation and management of TSC. A number of factors should be kept in mind during capacity development, (a) Who is being trained –what type of target group it is (b) At what stage of development is the group? (c) At what stage of development is the TSC programme? Is it the planning stage, implementation stage or evaluation stage (d) What is the nature of the system in which the TSC is being implemented? Are there systemic roadblocks and is there a support infrastructure available to the programme?
2.      Who are the people who need capacity building?
TSC involves synergy among a number of agencies/stakeholders and different activities are to be undertaken by various groups. All stakeholders need to be oriented about the salient features of the TSC Programme. Human Resource Development in the area of carrying out baseline survey, implementation of IEC action plan, training of trainers and grassroots level functionaries etc are very important components of successful implementation of the TSC projects. The different stakeholders which need to be trained for successful TSC implementation are: District and Block Level Programme Managers, District Level Master Trainers, District and Block level key functionaries, District and Block Level Resource Persons, Village Level Functionaries, Panchayat functionaries of all the three Tiers, NGOs and CBOs, Engineers and Mart Mangers, Master Masons of PCs./RSMs, Motivators Self Help Groups, Village Health Workers etc.
3.      What are possible areas on which training can be imparted?

Training can be imparted to different stakeholders in the following areas;
Background to conduct the TSC programme
Objectives, Components and Principles of the programme
Implementation arrangement of the programme
To carry out Start up activities (Baseline survey and Project Implementation Plan)
For development and implementation of communication (IEC) plan for generating demand.
For development of training strategies and modules for different stakeholders
Technology options based on affordability and location
Training for construction of different design of toilets –IHHL, Community Complex, School and Anganwadi toilets
Training for hygiene promotion through school and Anganwadi
Actual Implementation strategy of the TSC project
Training for Monitoring and Evaluation of the project.

4. Which are the training institutes, which can impart training under TSC?
So far there are 4 training institutes identified by GOI for imparting training under TSC. The contact details of all the four have been mentioned in the table below:

Name	Contact Person	Address	Phone No/Email id	Assigned states (Tentative)
Environmental Sanitation Institute, Ahmedabad	Shri Ishwarbhai Patel	Director, ESI, Ahmedabad	079-7558052 (O) Safai@icenet.net	Gujarat,MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttranchal, Goa, Daman& Deo
SIPRD, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal	Shri Shakti Kumar Chattopadhyay	State Sanitation Cell, State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development , Govt. of WB, Kalyani, Nadia	033-25823005(R) 033-25828161(O) 033-25828257(fax) Chattopadhyays@hotmail.com	Mijoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim, Jharkhand, WB, Jamuu & Kashmir
Gandhigram Rural Sanitation University, Dundigal	Dr. S Ponnuraj	Head of Department,Faculty of Rural Health and Sanitation, Gandhigram Rural Sanitation University, Tamil Nadu	0451-2452275(R) 0451-2451256(O) mdu_waston@sancharnet.in	Andhara Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerla, Pondicehry, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab
Ramakrishna Mission Lokasiksha Parishad, Naredrapur, West Bengal	Shri Chandi C.Dey	Coordinator –Water and Sanitation, RKMLSP, P.P Narendrapur, Kolkata - 700103	033-24773401(R) 033-24772207(O) 033-24772070 (fax) rkmlpndp@cal.vsnl.net.in	Assam, Bihar, Chattishgarh, Orissa, UP

Individual Household Latrine (IHHL)

1. What are the provisions for IHHL in TSC?
Under TSC, there is provision of part financing for construction of Individual Household latrine (IHHL) unlike CRSP where there was a huge reliance on subsidy and full construction cost was met by government. There is no subsidy for superstructure. The incentive is limited and extended only to Below Poverty Line families as cash after the beneficiary completes the construction of toilet. The incentive is to be given as back ended incentive. The financing pattern including the (subsidy) provision for the basic low cost unit is as follows: -

Basic Low Cost Unit Cost (Rs.)	Contribution
	GOI		State		Beneficiary
	BPL	APL	BPL	APL	BPL	APL
Upto Rs. 625/- (single pit)	60%	Nil	20%	Nil	20%	100%
Between Rs. 625/- and Rs. 1000/-	30%	Nil	30%	Nil	40%	100%
Above Rs.1000/-	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	100%	100%

The beneficiaries can spend additional amount for the construction of super structure and for extra pit. Minimums of 25 percent of funds for IHHL are marked for SC/ST community and 3 percent of IHHL toilets are constructed for disabled persons.
2.      Who are the beneficiaries of the Individual Household Latrine program?
TSC aims to cover both BPL and APL families. But BPL families are eligible for subsidies (incentives), which is available for low cost basic unit and shared between Govt of India, State Govts and beneficiaries. There is no subsidy (incentive) for APL families, however each APL family is to be motivated through IEC to take up IHHL construction.
3.      Why subsidy for construction of superstructure for IHHLs is not provided under TSC?
Under TSC guidelines, there is no subsidy for superstructure. The beneficiary can spend additional amount for the construction of superstructure as per his financial capability. The main component of a toilet is its sub structure and squatting space. Superstructure has a limited purpose of providing privacy and shelter from rain. The beneficiary as per his financial condition can construct the superstructure.

School Sanitation and Hygiene Education – A Component of TSC

1. What is SSHE 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).
Percent Reduction in Diarrhoea by SSHE Interventions

                                Source: S. Esrey, UNICEF, 1994
2.      Why is TSC focusing on SSHE?
Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) is giving special thrust on SSHE because by focusing on children today and giving them tools and knowledge to change behaviour, future generations can be stronger and healthier. Schools, being the ideal setting for promoting learning and health of children, can serve as a community model for health and environmental care. SSHE can stimulate a change in health behaviour and an attitude towards adoption of good habit during childhood as what children learn is likely to be applied within their families and also in the community. In addition, the primary and upper primary education system in India is one of the largest in the world with over 6.3 lakh primary and upper primary schools with 8 crore school going children. This huge network of schools offers a ready-made infrastructure to be mobilized and used as a resource to influence parents and hence the community on issues related to water and sanitation.
3.      What are the objectives of SSHE?
SSHE component has the following objectives:

To provide water and sanitation facilities in the schools so that children from their early childhood can use the facilities and develop consistent habits of using such facilities.
To promote usage of toilets/urinals among school students, hand washing at right times (before and after eating, and after using toilet) and sharing of tasks i.e. of collecting water and cleaning toilets by boys & girls equally
To promote behavioral change by hygiene education in school & linking the same to home & community
To develop a system within the school so that the facilities once created are maintained by the school without any external support.
To build the capacities of all stakeholders especially of teachers, PTA, PRI etc. ensuring sustainability of the system.

Conducting baseline survey and developing district and state level action plan. An action plan template has already been developed which intends to help States to prepare action plan. (Click for action plan template)
Inter-sectoral coordination which includes pooling in resources and sharing of ideas among respective departments like PHED, Education, Health, PR & RD, Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare, etc
Placement of staff with defined role and responsibilities. This may include the recruitment of the consultants at State and District level for an effective and faster implementation.
Institution building or activating existing institution such as School Management Committee, School Watsan/Health Committee, Parent and Teachers Association and Gram Panchayat.
Construction of the hardware facilities such as toilet with hand washing facilities and water supply which may also include rainwater harvesting structures, drainage system, garbage pit, etc.
Training and capacity building exercise for teachers, health and education officials, engineers, PRI members, DM/BDO, NGOs, etc
Health and hygiene activities which include school health check-up and regular de worming of children
Curriculum development on hygiene education and incorporation of the curriculum using participatory methods in educating children on health and hygiene education.
Operation and maintenance of the facilities that include resource mobilization for consumables like soap, bucket, brush, phenyl, etc and division of responsibilities among student and teachers regarding cleaning and maintaining the facilities
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
Activities linking schools with families and community.
Documentation of the successful experience of the school sanitation programme for sharing with others and for further replication.

7.      What is the time frame of implementation of SSHE in TSC?
All hardware facilities especially water supply and toilet with hand washing facilities must be provided by 2005-2006 in all rural schools. Health and hygiene activities should be taken up simultaneously which can be continued even beyond 2005-06 in the respective districts.
8.      What kinds of schools are covered under TSC? Is Pvt. schools covered under TSC?
In TSC, only govt. rural schools are being covered with water supply, toilet and hand washing facilities. Pvt. schools are supposed to have these basic facilities as they charge fees from students as well as for getting recognition from the education department of the respective state governments, they need to have these basic facilities. However, private schools may be included in the training programme on health and hygiene education.
9.      Is it possible to hire consultants for SSHE purpose by TSC project?
Yes, it is possible. Each TSC project district can hire one consultant for SSHE whose fee can be paid from the administrative expense fund sanctioned in the TSC fund.
10. Who are the stakeholders of SSHE in TSC?
Stakeholder’s identification is very important for an effective implementation of SSHE, which may vary from State to State. However, followings may be included as Stakeholders:

11. Do we need to coordinate with other Departments and why? Who will take the lead in coordination?
Coordination is necessary with other departments. SSHE cannot be implemented without taking the support of PHED, Health and Education Depts., and PRIs. For example, for construction of water and sanitation facilities, involvement of PHED is necessary. For health and hygiene education, support of teachers and health official and for ownership and sustainability, members from SMC, PTA and GP are needed. Thus, coordination has to be established at every stage i.e. at State, District, and Block and Panchayat level.
The State and District level Water and Sanitation Missions, PRIs and the line departments such as PHED, Panchayat/Rural Development Dept have to take the responsibility of establishing coordination with Departments like Education and Health, Tribal, Social Welfare, ICDS, etc level to ensure full coverage of water supply and sanitation facilities at schools.
12. What is the funding pattern of TSC in relation to schools?
TSC has sufficient fund provisions for the school sanitation component. Funding for School Sanitation in TSC Project is provided by the Central Government, State Government and Parent Teachers/GP in the ratio of 60:30:10.

13. What is the fund provision for hygiene education in TSC?
As far as the expenditure on hygiene education is concerned, it may be met from the IEC component under TSC. (See Revised TSC Guidelines 2004)
14. What is the cost of school toilet construction? Can we exceed the cost or not?
The construction cost of single unit of school toilet has been kept at Rs. 20,000-/-. If it is a co-ed school, two units can be constructed for boys and girls separately. The cost of the unit may vary depending upon the students’ strength in a particular school. If the numbers of student are less, the cost will be low, and if more, the cost will be high, and may exceed the prescribed cost of Rs. 20,000-/-. Thus, average cost may be calculated for planning and budgeting purposes, if necessary. If it further exceeds, fund resources from other means need to mobilized.
15. How many urinals and lavatories can be constructed in a school?
Text Box:

This would depend upon the student’s strength in the school. Generally, one lavatory and three or four urinals may be sufficient for 100-150 students. In fact, number of lavatory and urinals may be increased or decreased as per the strength of the students of respective schools. An example of calculation is given below which will help Programme Managers to arrive at expected lavatory and urinal requirement in their respective areas.
16. Who should construct the toilets?
School Management Committee and PTA may take the responsibility of constructing the toilets under TSC. This should be done under overall supervision and guidance of Gram Panchayat. PHED Engineers/Block level Engineers may provide technical assistance to the schools on this issue. The important thing is that norms laid down in the guidelines have to be followed up. No contractor is involved in the construction of toilets.
17. Is there any provision for separate toilets for girls? Can there be two toilet blocks in school?
Yes, separate toilets for girls should be provided and there should be two toilets blocks in a school for boys and girls separately which are treated as two separate units and each unit is entitled to have a Central Subsidy of GOI up to Rs.12, 000/- under TSC for a unit cost of Rs. 20,000-/-.
18. What should be done to provide hand washing facilities?

Toilet without hand washing facilities has no meanings, hence hand-washing facilities must be provided in each toilet block and following must be ensured for hand washing:

19. What are the design and technological options for toilets? Are there any guideline or prescribed designs and technological options?
There are various technological and design options for toilets and before selecting any particular design option, it is necessary to know that toilet complex must consist of urinals, latrine, soakage pit, junction chamber, water tank, hand washing facilities i.e. wash basin or washing place, drainage system for washed water and urine. The technology generally promoted for the toilet is Pour flush twin leach pit system fitted with rural pan. Septic tank should not be constructed. (For details on design options, see- Technical Note on School and Anganwadi Design Options)
20. How can the funds for water supply be arranged? Is there any provision of water supply in TSC?
Water supply is a very important component in SSHE. In fact, water supply needs to be ensured in advance i.e. before the construction of the toilets. TSC has no provisions for water supply; however, funds for water supply may be pooled from ARWSP, PMGY-RDW component, SSA, Swajaldhara, Finance Commission Awards, State resources, etc. More over, one-lakh schools are also to be covered with water supply under PM’ s recent announcement. Thus, there are sufficient schemes funded by Government of India are available under which funds for water supply can be sought. (See here for Swajaldhara Guidelines)
21. What are the technological options for water supply in schools?
There are number of technological options for water supply in schools. There are piped water and hand pump (with force lift technology also) well, etc. In fact, rainwater harvesting is also being promoted and can be established in the schools. See below:

Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting (Direct Collection)
22. How is the planning done to implement SSHE? Is there any guideline to follow? Planning is an important activity for better implementation. The first step towards planning is to conduct baseline survey. In TSC, baseline survey is conducted to assess the existing status of water and sanitation facilities in schools. This is followed by preparation of Project Implementation Plan (See PIP), which has all the details of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This is prepared at district level and submitted to DDWS, New Delhi through State Government. Similarly for schools, a State level action plan is prepared taking inputs from all the District PIPs and submitted to DDWS. To help States in the preparation of the state level action plan, an action plan template has been developed. (See Action Plan Template)
One thing must be followed that SSHE is implemented in community participation mode; hence, adequate scope for community and school participation should be left during the planning period.
23. Is there any need for training or capacity building to implement the SSHE? Who will be trained and on what aspects?
Sensitized, informed and trained work forces are the pre-requisites for the effective and focused implementation of SSHE. For better training, it is also necessary that training need assessment (TNA) of stakeholders be done. This must be followed by the identification of resource persons and institutions at state and district level who will be assigned to train especially the block level officials and teachers from schools who will further train students and School Watsan Committees (see list of regional resources institutions). It is equally important to develop or procure training modules to be used in the training programme. Preparation of training calendar in advance would help in organizing the training activities effectively.
Inter-sectoral coordination may be forged to effectively train the key functionaries of the Dept. of Education (SSA/DPEP/Others) i.e. teachers on use of sanitation facilities and hygiene promotion, Community awareness through school children and Health for Doctors/ANM for school health check up and de worming, PHED for design and construction of facilities and PTA and SMC for contribution, O&M, and monitoring, School Watsan Committee on water quality and testing, hygiene promotion and monitoring and O&M.
24. What is the importance of health and hygiene education and for whom? What are activities for health and hygiene education to be carried out?
Health and hygiene education is very important for better use of the facilities and also to prevent the incidences of water and sanitation related diseases especially diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis, polio, trachoma, and scabies. Health and hygiene education is primarily for school children. They are the best change agent hence, are expected to take the message and practices of health and hygiene at home and community. Health and Hygiene component have following activities to ensure healthy and safe environment:

Information Education Communication (IEC) activity to create awareness and for information building among children and teachers on the importance of school water, sanitation and hygiene education by using posters, games, folk songs, parades, camps, street plays, puppet shows/drama.
School health check up and de worming activity for instance six monthly or yearly de-worming activities are to be taken up with the provision of regular visits by Doctors/ANMs for school health check up in coordination with Heath Dept.
Demonstration activity using life skill approach for imparting health and hygiene education on the issues of hand washing (both washing hands after defecation and before & after eating) water and food handling, use of footwear, toilet use, personal hygiene, cleaning the toilets, cleaning of school campus and plantation in compound, disposal of solid and liquid waste, home and village sanitation, etcCurriculum development and incorporation of hygiene education in the curriculum in coordination with Education Dept.
Competition among children to encourage learning through quiz, painting, debates, games, songs, wall panting by children, slogan writing, etc
Daily school themes on water and sanitation for e.g. on Monday handling of drinking water and Tuesday personal hygiene and so on
Observance of Sanitation Day in a week along with sanitation drive in village and around water sources involving school and community
Messages in Assemblies on health & hygiene related issues
Hygiene communication and education strategy flow child to child, child to community, teachers to child, and child to parent
Support activity in immunization
Exposure visit to schools which have better facilities and use behaviour
Linkages between school to family & community

There is still scope for more materials to be developed. Respective States can develop pamphlets, manuals, and posters on hygiene education in local languages. Technical support may be asked from DDWS on this aspect.
26. Who will clean or maintain water and sanitation facilities created in school?
Students of the respective schools irrespective of class, caste and gender will clean and maintain the water and sanitation facilities created. They should not feel shy and be motivated by School Watsan Committee, Teachers, PTA, and SMC. In fact, they will have to provide leadership and support to the students in cleaning and maintenance of watsan facilities. In many States like West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtara, M.P, Tamil Nadu, U.P, etc cleaning and maintenance of watsan facilities in schools are successfully taken up by students. This not only ensures sense of ownership but also the sense of health, hygiene and cleanliness.
27. What should be included in operation and maintenance?
Operation and maintenance is very important for the sustainability and maintaining cleanliness in and around water point area and toilet. This includes:

Drawing up a maintenance schedule
Roster of responsibilities (irrespective of caste and class) for making sure all children wash hands with soaps after going to toilet and involving children in cleaning the latrines and water point area, fill water reservoir, checking for leaks, cleaning the compound, etc. It should be noted that no discrimination should be followed on the basis of gender in assigning work. For example, boys can also be assigned the job of collection of water if it is a co-ed school.
Resource mobilization for O&M fund i.e. for soap, brush, bucket etc. from PTA, SMC, VEC, GP, etc,
Manage stock of parts, tools, and supplies
Conduct survey on O&M improvement, meetings and respond with solution against users’ complaint

28. What will be the funding means for O&M and from where?
SSHE under TSC is community driven programme where O&M is a total responsibility of the PTA, SMC and GP. Hence, they will have to generate resources to meet the expenditures for consumables like soap, phenyl, or any leakage or repair of the facilities created. Generally, for these consumables, Rs. 300-400 per year is estimated for the strength of 150 to 200 students that means per student it will cost Rs. 2-3 per year only which can be easily contributed. Under SSA, maintenance grant is also given to schools, which may be utilized for O&M of water and sanitation facilities.
29. What are the means of monitoring and evaluation?
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) help us to take corrective measures and improve the quality of output. There are several means of M&E but to generate timely, reliable and usable information following means may be followed:

Regular school visits by Panchayat members, BDOs, officials of Health and Education departments, PTA and SMC members
Regular review meetings at different levels.
School based participatory monitoring using techniques such as monitoring charts, mapping, physicals checks, etc by students and teachers (checklist to be prepared by the students and teachers and school based indicator to be developed).
Community visits to schools
Quality inspection- review teams by Central Govt. and State Govt.
Conventional report system (formats and progress reports–monthly and online reporting)
Periodic evaluation and assessments for course correction
Impact surveys by independent agency such as mid line survey and end line survey
Documentation of case studies and success stories

31. What are the successful models and projects of SSHE?
There are various successful stories of SSHE, which can be replicated. For example in West Bengal, SSHE has been a great success not only in terms of physical progress of water and sanitation facilities but also in imparting hygiene education. Similarly, States like Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana have also performed well in implementing the SSHE component of TSC. In these States, SSHE is also playing a crucial role in generating the demand for individual household latrines at village. (For more details –see Success Stories)
32. How can we know more about such stories and from where?
Knowing becomes more fruitful when knowledge is reciprocated, hence, it is necessary that all the success stories be to be documented and shared by the TSC district projects. We believe that every TSC project has the potential of becoming a model for others to be followed up. Here are some resource sites where one can Text Box: Community Complex Provisions under TSC Ø An important component of TSC Ø Rs. 2.5 lakh is the upper ceiling Ø Design and estimate to be approved by NSSC Ø Fund Sharing – 60:20:20 (Center: State: Community) Ø O & M (100%) by the user/Gram Panchayat

get additional information on SSHE:
www.unicef.org
www.who.org
www.irc.nl

Community Complex

1.      What are the provisions of Community Complex in TSC?
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 given by the Panchayat.
2.      Where can a Community Complex be constructed?
Village community complex can be set up in such villages where land for constructing individual household latrines is not available. The place should be identified in consultation with the community. It should be accessible to users in all weather conditions and it should also ensure privacy to beneficiaries while using the sanitation facilities. Site of the complex must be fixed in consultation with beneficiaries. The following criteria should be borne in mind while selecting location for community sanitation complexes. (a) Safety (b) Privacy (c) Accessibility (d) Risk of ground water contamination. However it should be kept in mind that the user is responsible for the Operation and Maintenance of the community complex and should be ready to take this up.
3.      Is there any prescribed design for WSC?
There is no prescribed design. However while designing the following points should be kept under consideration. (a) Accessible to all users (b) Adequate number of bathroom and toilet facilities depending on the number of users (b) Proper lighting (c) Proper ventilation (d) Provision of water facility (e) Ensuring Operation and Maintenance of the Community Complex.
4.      What should be the O&M arrangement? Who should pay for it?
The maintenance of such complexes is very essential for which Gram Panchayat, or the beneficiary groups or the Self Help Group (SHG) should own the responsibility or make alternative arrangements at the village level. Without proper O&M arrangement it should not be constructed.

Anganwadi Toilets

1.      What are the provisions made in TSC for Anganwadi toilet construction?
All the Aganwadis are to be covered with baby friendly toilets by March 2006. Provision is made in TSC guidelines for construction of Anganwadi toilets in TSC districts. The funds will be shared in 60:30:10 ratio between Center, State and community. The maximum unit cost prescribed is Rs.5000 for Anganwadi toilet.
2.      What is the unit cost for construction of Anganwadi toilets?
Maximum permissible unit cost for Anganwadi toilet is Rs. 5000/- for which central subsidy will be provided. In case the unit cost increases, GOI contribution will be restricted to Rs. 3000 that is 60 % of Rs.5000.
3.      Is there any prescribed design for Anganwadi Toilets?
There is no prescribed design, however a compilation of School and Anganwadi toilet design has been circulated by GOI, which is also available on www.ddws.nic.in, which contains few sample designs and important points to note while constructing toilets.
4.      How can a toilet be constructed in Anganwadi operating in a private building?
For such Anganwadis, either of the following two options may be used;

Rural Sanitary Marts (RSMs)/Production Center (PC)

1.      What are the provisions of RSM/PC in the guidelines of TSC?
RSM/PC is an important component of TSC. Provision is made in TSC guidelines for setting up and operation of RSMs and PCs in each district at suitable places. Maximum of Rs.35 lakhs per district @ Rs.3.5 lakh/ PC/RSM can be provided for this purpose. This fund can be used for construction of shed and revolving funds for PC and only revolving funds for RSMs.
2.      What is the relevance of RSM in the rural sanitation?
TSC programme gives strong emphasis on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and social marketing to generate demand. There is recognition of the need to not just generate demand for sanitation, but also have in place supply chain mechanisms that could cater to the increased demand by providing necessary hardware and ancillary services such as trained masons and guidance on various technology options. RSM and PCs are relevant to meet this need.
3.      Who can operate an RSM/PC?
The Production Centers or Rural Sanitary Marts may be opened and operated by NGOs, Panchayats, Self Help Groups or Private Entrepreneur.
4.      Where can one open up an RSM/PC?
The RSM should preferably be located in a market place such that the venture is economically viable and eventually is self sustaining. Ideally it should be ideally close to facilities like a Tehsil office, block office, PHC, Sub registrar’s office, bus/railway station junction, market etc
5.      What are the products available in RSM?
RSM is a one-time shop to meet all sanitation-related requirements of the community. RSM is something exclusive and different form other outlets, institutions existing in the area. Ideally the products of a RSM can be placed under three categories.
Category I : It includes material for the construction of latrines of different types and other sanitary facilities such as pans, traps and footrests of different types, pit covers, pipes, doors, window frames and other construction material like cement, sand, chips and bricks. Further, the RSM could keep hand pumps and commonly required spare parts of different types.
Category II[1] : It includes items relating to home sanitation such as food safes, ladles, water filters, ORS packets, material for cleaning latrines like brushes, broomsticks and phenyl.
Category III: It includes items relating to personal hygiene such as soap, nail cutters and footwear.
6.      What is the arrangement for Production Centers in West Bengal?
In 1990, barely anyone in the villages of West Bengal's Medinipur district had household latrines. But just a decade later, roughly 80 per cent of these families possessed latrines in east Mednipur District- reducing disease and making Medinipur a role model for other parts of India. The Production Center model adopted in Mednipur is replicated in other parts of West Bengal.
In TSC districts of West Bengal, the PCs are set up by NGOs. For setting up a Mart/PC, the NGO gets fund to the tune of Rs.2,49,700 only in four installments for the following work –

In a RSM/PC there are two Mart Managers, two chief motivators and two masons. There are village motivators @ one motivator per gram samsad. Village masons are there @ one per GP. These motivators work for generating demand for sanitation facility and they are paid an incentive @ Rs.20 per toilet constructed. The incentive given to the motivator is included in the cost of sanitary material provided by the Mart.
Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP)
1. What are the provisions of NGP?
To add vigour to the TSC, in June 2003, GoI initiated an incentive scheme for fully sanitized and open defecation free Gram Panchayats, Blocks, and Districts called the ' Nirmal Gram Puraskar'. The incentive pattern is based on population criteria and given below. The incentive provision is for PRIs as well as individuals and organizations that are the driving force for full sanitation coverage.
Incentive pattern under Nirmal Gram Puraskar (in Rs. lakh)

Particulars	Gram Panchayat		Block		District
Population Criteria	Up to 5000	5001 and above	Up to 50000	50001 and above	Up to 10 lakh	Above 10 lakh
Cash Incentive Recommended Rs. In Lakhs	2.0	4.0	10.0	20.0	30.0	50.0
Incentive to Individuals	0.10		0.20		0.30
Incentive to Organisation/s other than PRIs	0.20		0.35		0.50

2.      Who can get the Nirmal Gram Puraskar
The following can get the Nirmal Gram Puraskar
(a)    Gram Panchayats, Blocks and Districts, which achieve 100% sanitation coverage in terms of (a) 100% sanitation coverage of individual house holds, (b) 100% school sanitation coverage (c) free from open defecation and (d) clean environment maintenance.
(b)   Individuals and organizations, who have been the driving force for effecting full sanitation coverage in the respective geographical area
3.      What is the procedure for claiming NGP?
The procedure for applying for the Nirmal Gram Puraskar is as follows:

There are 2 application forms developed one for PRI and another for Individuals & Organizations. These application forms are available on www.ddws.nic.in, which can be downloaded. If required, the same can be translated in local language by the State Government or Project Implementing Agencies and circulated to all the eligible applicants.
The applications should be duly scrutinized at the District Level and only on being fully satisfied with regard to the eligibility, it should be forwarded to the State Government.
The State Government should make its own arrangement for the verificationof the claims. There are two checklists for the two types of application forms, which are also hosted on www.ddws.nic.in. The checklist should be filled in and certified by the State Secretary in-charge of Rural Sanitation and forwarded to Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development.

4. What is the procedure of sanctioning of NGP?
Once the GOI receives the NGP 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.

On the basis of report submitted by the review teams, the Screening Committee will make recommendations to the National ommittee of NGP headed by Secretary (DWS), which will finally approve the applications eligible for Puraskars
5. What purpose the incentive money can be utilized?
The incentive for 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

Leach Pit Technology

6.    What is the longevity of a leach pit toilet?
In a leach pit toilet, two pits are supposed to be constructed. When the first pit is in use, the other pit is closed. A pit having 4ft. depth and 3 ft. diameter can get filled up in about 4-5 years if used by a family of 6-8 persons. Once this pit is filled up, the other pit is opened and the filled pit is closed. Within 15-18 months, the excreta gets totally decomposed and become a good bio-fertilizer. There is neither any bad odour nor any pathogen in the fertilizer (decomposed excreta). This can be easily used in the fields. Even if the number of persons using the toilet increases, the pit having a size of 4 ft. deep and 4 ft diameter is sufficient to meet the requirement.
7.    Will it be useful if the depth of the pit is further increased?
Not at all. If we dig deep, there is likelihood of contamination of the ground water. Since this size of pit is sufficient for meeting the requirement of normal size of the family, there is no necessity of making deep pit, which will cost more, and there will be also difficulty in extracting fertilizer after decomposition. So there is no necessity for digging more than 4 ft. deep pit.
8.   Do we need to use vent pipe in a leach pit toilet?
No, we don’t use vent pipe in leach pit toilets. Even though vent pipe are required in septic tank latrines, it is not required in case of leach pit pour flush toilets. This is because, the leach pit has a series of holes in the side walls through which the gases pass into the soil and gets absorbed. Because of this, there is no danger of bursting of the cover or the wall of the pit. Gas pipe is used in septic tank because such tanks are closed completely from all sides and some outlet for escape of the gas is required.
In addition, in leach pit an-aerobic decomposition of the excreta takes place in absence of air. The decomposition takes place with the assistance of the bacteria. In this process, very limited quantity of methane gas is produced which is absorbed in the soil through its pores. In addition to this, due to absence of vent pipe, the smell cannot get out of the pit and mosquitoes and flies cannot go inside the pit using the vent pipe. So in leach pit toilets vent pipe should not be installed.
9.  Is it possible that in rainy season, rainwater can enter the pit through the pores in the soil?
If water level increases too much in the rainy season, water may go inside the pit through the pores. However, it will again recede after the rainy season. In flood-affected areas, it is suggested that the squatting place should be constructed on a raised platform.
10.   Is it possible that the insects may come outside the pit wall through its pores?
In such toilets there are no insects inside the pit. Only such bacteria surviving in absence of air, which is not visible to naked eyes, survive which decomposes the excreta into fertilizer. As a result there is no question of insects coming out of the leach pits.
11.   What should be the thickness of the wall inside the pit and is it possible that the pit wall may collapse if the thickness is less?
If the pit is of circular shape, 3-inch thickness of the wall is sufficient. If a 3 inch brick honey comb wall is made, it is not easy to collapse such types of construction have been done in large number throughout the country and are easily surviving.
If 6-8 persons in a family are using the toilet, is it possible that the water may overflow from the pit?
No, it is not possible. Such toilets can easily absorb 60-70 liters of water in a day. Even if a person uses 5-6 liters of water daily, there is no chance of water overflowing from the pit. However, it is advisable that water consumption should be minimal.
12.   What is the safe distance between a water source and a toilet?
Normally, average life of bacteria in the sub soil is not more than 10 days. It has been observed that the hydrological gradients in the sub-soil is less than 1:100 and average size of sub soil is not more than 0.2 mm, due to which these bacteria cannot travel more than 1m in a day. As a result, in a leach pit toilet, if the distance from the water source is more than 10 mtrs or 30 ft. it should be safe. However, depending upon the soil conditions this distance may also vary.
13.   What is the cost of constructing a leach- pit toilet?
There are various designs of leach pit toilet, which cost from Rs.400 onwards upto Rs.5,000/-. These toilets can be constructed with single or twin pits. The pits may be lined or unlined. Depending upon the individual’s financial capacity, appropriate design may be selected.
14.   If the sub soil contains stone, will it be possible to construct leach pit toilets?
If the stones are below 5-6 ft. deep from the soil level such toilets can be   constructed without any problem. If the soil can absorb water, such leach pit toilets can be constructed.
Sometimes it is noticed that the sub soil contains black soil. Black soil has less pores and water absorption capacity. Is it possible to construct leach-pit toilets in such black soil.
All types of soil have small pores to absorb water and black soil also has such pores. It is true that the pore size of the black soil is smaller than the sandy soil leading to less absorption. It is expected that average 60 liters of water per day may be consumed in a leach pit toilet and that much water can be absorbed by black soil also.
However, if it is noticed in a particular area that absorption capacity of water is low, it is advisable that a sand lining can be given all along the pit to increase its absorption capacity.
Beneficiary Queries

Open defecation is one of the age-old behavioral practices in the rural areas. The sanitation- health link is weak in people’s minds. Studies have shown about two thirds of the rural population think that exposed excreta is harmful to health, yet less than a quarter understand the faecal oral danger. Most people think that children’s faeces are not harmful, which explains why they are often disposed of close to the household.
Though open defecation involves no cost and is very convenient and everyone in the family is not suffering from any disease in densely populated rural areas, lack of privacy and need to walk long distances to find a suitable spot to defecate is being recognized as a problem. Many women have to go early in the morning before it is light or wait till nighttime to urinate or defecate to ensure privacy. A latrine provides convenience and privacy for all specially women and others like children, silk and old. It also provides safety and protection during dark night/early morning, hot afternoon, rainy and cold winter days. A household latrine offers all convenience with no bad odour, no ugly seen of fly nuisance or of excreta itself. So one should construct a latrine even if everybody in a family doesn’t suffer from diarrhea or any other disease at a particular point of the time. There is a risk of suffering from these diseases. Statistics reveal that on an average, 30 million persons in rural areas suffer from sanitation-related disease. About 0.4-0.5 million children die of diarrhoea alone annually in our country. There is indication of annual loss of 180 million man-

days and Rs. 12 billion to the economy owing to sanitation related diseases. Even if due to internal body resistance a person himself doesn’t fall sick, his practice of open defecation is certainly a health risk for other people also so it needs to be curbed and eliminated. Villages, which have been able to eliminate the practice of open defecation, are usually very neat and clean and there is no bad smell, which creates a good ambience for people to live.

The cost of Individual household latrines is economical and affordable. They can be built by the beneficiary within their means in spite of limited financial resources. The minimum cost for construction is as low as Rs.400 and the cost increases with better model. A minimum amount of incentive is provided to BPL families for construction of individual latrines. Households can invest partly now to build economical toilets and gradually upgrade to construct better facility. Very little money is required to be contributed by a BPL family. In case he doesn’t have enough money, he can even contribute his labour.

Earlier administration used to provide high subsidy for the construction of latrines. However most of the latrines were not put to use, or the latrine was used as store room or puja space etc. Lack of involvement of the beneficiary led to poor construction, maintenance and use of the toilet, which failed the very objective of the programme. So there has been a paradigm shift in TSC and now each household is encouraged to construct his own toilet by contributing money or labour. Households choose their own model, design and technology. Wherever people have played active role in constructing toilets they have used it properly and when government has constructed, in many case the use has been minimal. That is why in TSC, Government doesn’t build toilets for individual households.

Some of the elders may be of the opinion that Individual household latrine is very costly, produces bad odour and creates fly nuisance etc. Usually they think that Septic tank is the model to be constructed which is very costly. There are wide range of technology options suiting to different pockets, which can be constructed. Elders need to be explained this. The pour flush leach pit toilets are very good and do not produce bad odour.
In addition the slope of the pan is so designed that it does not require much water after use, especially in water crises areas. On the other hand they provide many benefits like convenience during rainy season, safety and dignity of women, children and old, reduced water borne disease like diarohea, dysentery, typhoid etc. There is practically “nil” daily maintenance for toilet. So such toilets should be constructed

Constructing an IHHL does not require much space. It can be constructed in a small area of about 1.5 sq meters wherein a single pit is constructed and a squatting plate is placed over it. The pit can be used for 5-7 years depending on the size of the family and proper maintenance.
In addition most of the households which do not have adequate space in the house for the construction of latrines can come together to construct and use community or group sanitary facilities.

A single pit IHHL if properly constructed and maintained can be used for about 5 to 7 years with a family size of 5-10 persons. Water should be poured after use regularly and regular cleaning of pan should take place.

The Production Centers or Rural Sanitary Marts can be opened and operated by NGOs, Panchayats, Self Help Groups or Private Entrepreneur as the district-implementing agency decides. The only thing, which is required, is to get in touch with the TSC-district project-implementing agency. The contact list is available on our website www.ddws.nic.in. The exact procedure as adopted in the district can be understood from the district agency.

Firstly it is desirable that each and every household constructs its own toilet. However, if there is shortage of space for construction of toilet in certain villages then community complex may be constructed. If a person or group of persons are interested in constructing a community sanitary complex (women complex) in a village, they need to form a group of such interested people and put forward their proposal to the village water and sanitation committee or Gram Panchayat. They will have to agree to contribute 20% of the capital cost of construction and full operation and maintenance cost. If they decide so, the Gram Panchayat may forward the application to ZP/DWSM for sanction.