In News:

The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the nationwide “HamaraShauchalaya, HamaraBhavishya” campaign on World Toilet Day 2025, marking a renewed push to sustain and upgrade rural sanitation outcomes across India.

What is the Campaign?

A national sanitation initiative led by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aimed at improving functionality, maintenance, and community ownership of rural toilets, with emphasis on long-term sustainability beyond toilet construction.

Duration & Coverage

• Launch: World Toilet Day 2025
• Campaign Period: ~3 weeks, concluding on Human Rights Day (10 December 2025)
• Geographical Scope: Nationwide, with implementation at Gram Panchayat, Block, and District levels

Key Focus Areas

• Functionality & Repairs
  • Restoration and operation & maintenance (O&M) of:
    • Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs)
    • Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs)
• Aesthetic Upgradation: Cleaning, painting, and beautification to enhance dignity and sustained use
• Awareness &Behaviour Change
  • School-based hygiene education
  • Safe faecal waste handling
  • Promotion of climate-resilient sanitation, especially for flood-prone and water-scarce areas
• Community Participation
  • Engagement of NSS, NYKS, NCC, youth groups, senior citizens, retired defence personnel, local influencers and Padma awardees
  • Recognition of sanitation workers
  • On-the-spot distribution of IHHL sanction letters to eligible beneficiaries

Background & Policy Context

• Built on gains of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen):
  • 11+ crore toilets constructed since 2014
  • ODF status achieved by villages by 2019
• SBM-G Phase II (from 2020) shifted focus from construction to sustainability, solid & liquid waste management, and behaviour change—this campaign reinforces that pivot.

Significance

• Post-ODF Sustainability: Moves the sanitation agenda from access to use, upkeep, and resilience
• Public Health Gains: Helps reduce diarrhoeal diseases and improves environmental hygiene
• Climate Resilience: Strengthens sanitation systems against floods, droughts, and climate stresses
• Community Ownership: Embeds responsibility at the grassroots for durable outcomes