Assessment study of impact and sustainability of Nirmal Gram Puraskar

Sanitation is one of the most pressing global development issues in the contemporary world. Posing grave health challenges, exacerbating socio-economic and gender differences and thwarting the process of inclusive growth and development, lack of proper sanitation facilities has serious repercussions for any country. Given the strong direct and indirect linkages of sanitation with socio-economic and health aspects, it has been appropriately included in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Out of eight MDGs, three are directly linked to sanitation: reduce child mortality, combat disease and ensure environmental sustainability. Even the first goal, eradicate extreme poverty, is linked to sanitation as high health and coping costs associated with illnesses caused by inadequate sanitation drain productivity and incomes, contributing to poverty. [Author's abstract]