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Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Status of open defecation in rural areas, 27/03/2017

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Status of open defecation in rural areas, 27/03/2017. The focus of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) is on behaviour change of people to adopt safe sanitation and use toilet. In order to educate the people, the programme lays emphasis on community involvement. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), upto 5% of total resources can be spent on Information, Education and Communication(IEC) for State and District level. 3% of the resources can be used at the Central level for the same purpose. Further for creating awareness about sanitation and generating demand for sanitation facilities, including toilets, a Sanitation and Hygiene Advocacy and Communication Strategy Framework has been adopted by the Ministry for activities under Information, Education and Communication (IEC). States are preparing and implementing State and district level IEC Plans based on this strategy framework. Massive media campaigns have been started at National level using Audio Visual (TV) and Audio (Radio). States are also carrying out IEC campaign including interpersonal Communication (IPC). Also cleanliness campaigns are held at regular intervals. State/UT-wise, the percentage increase in the construction of toilets during the last three years is at Annexure-1.