In Rural India, 76% People With Reduced Mobility, Struggle To Access Basic Sanitation Facilities
Amid India's quest to become a developed nation by 2047, about 76 per cent of people in rural India, with reduced mobility, struggle to access basic sanitation facilities, according to a report by Svayam, the social impact arm of Jindal SAW.
The 'Accessible Family Toilet Project' revealed that while toilets are recognised as a basic necessity, there are still a staggering number of people with reduced mobility, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, kids, etc., who are deprived of this facility.
According to estimates, about 69 per cent of People with Disabilities (PwD) and 71 per cent of India's senior citizens reside in rural parts of India. Shockingly, in India, 22 per cent of people with disabilities earn less than 3000 per month.
According to the report, a total of 3,620 families expressed keen interest in adopting accessible toilet facilities at home and 64 per cent have opted to build accessible toilets for their elderly family members, prioritising their comfort and dignity.
Also, 26 per cent have utilised loans to build toilets for family members with disabilities, including those with obesity and accident victims and 8 per cent have adopted accessible toilets with future readiness in mind, creating homes that stand prepared for the years ahead to ensure the safety, dignity and independence of family members as they age in place.
The report mentioned that an additional 2 per cent have constructed toilets for pregnant family members at home.
Sminu Jindal, Founder and Chairperson, Svayam and Managing Director, Jindal SAW said, "Through this project, we've witnessed the willingness of rural communities to invest their savings and even take loans to fulfil this fundamental need—accessible toilets at home. What's truly remarkable is the staggering 99.0 per cent repayment rate, a testament to the unwavering commitment of borrowers towards enhancing their quality of life."
