Introduction

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services are central to addressing poverty and the livelihoods and health of the people. Water and Sanitation is a Human Right and is critical in addressing the needs of the poorest as well as achieving the long-standing policy objectives set by the Government of India. India has been investing in the WASH sector over the years. The Government of India (GoI) and the local governments (states) together have spent about US$ 35 billion (1$=Rs.45.72) over the last six decades of planning (GoI 2011) to provide adequate potable water to more than 90 percent of rural people in 1.5 million habitations, which is a major accomplishment in terms of coverage. An average of US$ 4 billion per annum was spent during the 11th plan period (2007–2012) alone (GoI 2011). However, the share of rural water supply and sanitation in the total government plan outlays has remained around 2 percent since 1980s. Of this, the share of sanitation is marginal, i.e., less than 10 percent (Reddy and Jayakumar 2011).