The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) declared India 'Open Defecation Free' (ODF) in 2019 based on toilet coverage reaching nearly 100%. Which indicator BEST measures sanitation impact beyond toilet construction?

• A Number of toilets constructed per district
• B Latrine coverage as reported by state governments
• C ASER survey toilet ownership data
• D Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF+) status based on toilet usage and maintenance ✓

Explanation

ODF Plus (ODF+) status under SBM Phase II assesses not merely construction but actual use, maintenance, solid waste management, and liquid waste management in villages. Research consistently shows a gap between toilet construction (coverage) and usage rates; ODF+ and ODF++ (which adds grey water and solid waste components) are meaningful indicators of actual sanitation impact and behaviour change.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.