SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The right to sanitation has been recognized for many years by the Supreme Court of India and high courts. Its recognition is not in question but there is a lack of a comprehensive legal framework that can contribute to making the right a reality on the ground. Administrative directions that have come to define governmental action in practice, particularly in rural areas, fill this gap. The focus on behaviour change, individual household toilet construction and open defecation-free status has helped in achieving some sanitation related targets. It has also raised some important concerns with regard to gender equality, universality of entitlements, and the understanding of rights holders as beneficiaries. This chapter analyses different elements that need to be addressed moving forward, including the need for giving more attention to community toilets, for convergence with other rights, for mainstreaming environmental considerations, and for ensuring equality and dignity in sanitation work.