Different and unique ways of instigating the public to willingly cease open defecation are brewing across the state.
Villagers will not get a chance to sip coffee and chat with the collector if they build toilets at their homes.
Build toilet, have coffee with Collector
Shiv Prasad Nakate, Barmer district collector has ideated the concept of “coffee with collector” for encouraging villagers to build toilets at their homes. Moreover, the concerned person will also be felicitated at the district headquarters.
Nakate affirmed that Barmer will become an open-defecation free district by December month of this year.
Barmer houses a total of 489 panchayats. Currently, only 173-gram panchayats are ODF, while 316 districts are yet to become ODF.
Change drivers in Barmer
Water availability bottlenecks in Barmer panchayats have also been resolved. NREGA has given its nod to equip panchayats with water tanks and storage facilities.
According to Nakate, this is a simple motivation scheme to induce action amidst the villagers. If any villager builds toilet at his residence, Nakate will visit his residence and sip coffee with him.
The coffee chat will be followed up by felicitation at the district headquarters. “The villager will be looked upon with respect which will inspire others,” Nakate said.
Other ODF-centric schemes
Another ODF-driven scheme is being run in Barmer for over some time now. Initiated by Cairn Oil & Gas and rural development organization, the scheme aims at guiding and monitoring the family for 2-3 months on the use of the toilet. A sum of Rs 2,500 is given to families which have showcased the proper utility of toilets. Major beneficiaries of Baytu and Gida panchayat Samitis will be given lucrative incentives.
India to become ODF by 2019
India aims to become ODF by 2019. This will ensure that open defecation-borne diseases are prevented, while also ensuring cleanliness and hygiene in the rural and urban areas alike.
