Facilities under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II improve hygiene, women’s safety and public health; women self-help groups play key role in management
Amethi: Rural sanitation infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district has received a major boost through the construction and operation of community sanitation complexes in all 682 gram panchayats under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II. The initiative aims to sustain the achievements of the Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign and help villages achieve ODF Plus status.
The community toilet in Tala Gram Panchayat, under Amethi development block, has emerged as an example of improved sanitation and public health management. Savitri Devi, the local caretaker responsible for its daily maintenance, plays an important role in keeping the facility clean and encouraging villagers to adopt better hygiene practices.
Before the facility became operational, families without individual toilets, landless labourers, women and elderly residents faced considerable difficulties in accessing safe sanitation facilities. Dependence on open defecation also increased the risk of environmental contamination and the spread of infectious and waterborne diseases.
The operational community toilet has provided villagers with a safe, clean and dignified sanitation facility within their locality.
According to technical standards prescribed by the state government’s Panchayati Raj Department, community sanitation complexes across Amethi include separate entrances and toilet sections for men and women, bathing facilities and handwashing arrangements. Special provisions include ramps and accessible toilets for persons with disabilities, along with child-friendly facilities.
To ensure uninterrupted operation, the complexes are equipped with overhead water tanks, submersible pumps, electricity connections, adequate lighting and ventilation. Standard septic tanks and soak pits have been provided for the scientific disposal of sewage and greywater, helping prevent groundwater contamination and maintain hygienic surroundings.
Under the guidelines of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II, an allocation of Rs 3 lakh is prescribed for the construction of each community sanitation complex. Of this amount, 70 per cent is contributed through the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin fund, while the remaining 30 per cent comes from the Gram Panchayat’s allocation under the 15th Finance Commission grants.
The state government has also introduced a community-based management model to ensure the long-term operation of these facilities. Women self-help groups formed under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission have been entrusted with managing the complexes through Gram Panchayats. The arrangement has created local livelihood opportunities and promoted financial independence among rural women.
As per government provisions, Rs 9,000 is allocated every month for the operation of each community toilet. This includes Rs 6,000 as the caretaker’s honorarium and Rs 3,000 for cleaning materials, disinfectants, electricity, water expenses and minor repairs. Gram Panchayats make payments through the e-GramSwaraj portal.
All community toilets in the district are required to remain open for prescribed daily hours, with additional operating hours wherever local requirements demand. The management guidelines also mandate cleaning twice a day, the use of safety equipment by caretakers and maintenance of complaint registers.
The district administration and Panchayati Raj Department regularly monitor the facilities to ensure transparency and accountability. All community toilets in Amethi have been geo-tagged, and their daily operational status and cleanliness standards are reviewed through the Swachh Bharat Mission portal. This monitoring mechanism helps authorities identify and address technical or operational problems promptly.
The community sanitation network is also contributing to broader efforts to establish ODF Plus villages. Through village sanitation committees, authorities are encouraging solid and liquid waste management, waste segregation and improved cleanliness in public spaces.
In Tala, Savitri Devi’s efforts have encouraged villagers to treat the community toilet as a shared public asset. Residents are increasingly participating in maintaining cleanliness around the premises, avoiding water wastage and following hygiene practices.
The district’s experience demonstrates how community participation, regular maintenance and women’s involvement in local management can strengthen the implementation of government sanitation programmes.
With active Gram Panchayats, administrative monitoring and the contribution of local caretakers, Amethi’s community toilet initiative is helping improve rural hygiene while strengthening the safety, dignity and health of women and other vulnerable sections of society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
