New Delhi: The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the nationwide Hamara Shauchalaya, Hamara Bhavishya campaign on World Toilet Day 2025, beginning a three-week effort that will continue until Human Rights Day on 10 December. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has positioned the campaign as a reminder that toilets and their upkeep are central to public health, community wellbeing and a cleaner rural future.
The initiative centres on improving the functionality, repair and appearance of Community Sanitary Complexes and Individual Household Latrines. It aims to strengthen systems already created under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), while also encouraging communities to take greater ownership of sanitation facilities. Awareness activities will focus on hygiene, the safe handling of faecal waste and the need to move towards climate-resilient sanitation practices, especially among schoolchildren.
India’s progress since 2014 forms the backdrop to this campaign. With more than 11 crore toilets constructed and villages achieving Open Defecation Free status by 2019, the second phase of the Mission launched in 2020 seeks to ensure long-term sustainability. States and Union Territories have now been asked to reinforce these gains by strengthening on-ground systems during the campaign period.
To widen participation, responsibilities have been assigned at the Gram Panchayat, Block and District levels. States and UTs have been encouraged to involve local personalities, Padma awardees, retired defence and paramilitary personnel, senior citizens, youth groups such as NSS, NYKS and NCC and schoolchildren to support the activities. The campaign will also recognise sanitation workers and facilitate the distribution of IHHL sanction letters to eligible beneficiaries.
The Hamara Shauchalaya, Hamara Bhavishya campaign will conclude on 10 December 2025, marking its close on Human Rights Day.
BI Bureau
