Jeevika Women Self-Help Groups Role in Improving Sanitation Status in Bihar
Published: 2020
Author(s) Name: Renu Singh, Santosh Kumar Singh |
Author(s) Affiliation: Research Scholar, P G Department of Sociology, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
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Abstract
India is having the highest number of people defecating in the
open. Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) is an ambitious
programme that envisages making rural India open defecation free
(ODF). Bihar’s performance is at the bottom in sanitation map of
the nation. Providing toilet to community and ensuring its usage are
great challenges. A multidimensional approach is needed to ensure
the behavioural change in the poverty-laden society of Bihar. In this
paper, an attempt has been made to examine the role of Jeevikalead
SHGs for leading the SBM-G. Jeevika is providing support
as a development partner to 38 blocks in the state, which are
called Jeevika-intensive blocks. In these blocks, the entire SBM-G
programme is led by didis of Jeevika. SHGs are the best models
for leading the SBM-G projects, as they change the earlier concept
of toilet construction from grant driven to be demand driven. SHG
plays a vital role in micro-financing for toilet construction. Women
SHGs provide sanitation loans and conduct hygiene education
in their communities. For awareness generation among the
community, the method of community-led total sanitation (CLTS)
has adapted. It aims to create ODF communities. Jeevika didis
have been playing an important role in creating awareness about
the need for toilets and motivating women to construct toilets. Their
role in social mobilization and behavioural change has helped us
to achieve an ODF Bihar.
Keywords: Jeevika, Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), Self Help Group, Community Led Total Sanitation
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