GS3 · UPSC Mains

You are a young IAS officer and have recently joined as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in a district, which has been declared 'open defecation free'. However, you get information that some villages in your sub-division are still continuing the practice of open defecation out of habit despite availability of toilets. Your colleagues in the district administration confirm that the information is true. You call the village headmen of these villages and tell them to persuade their respective villagers to stop open defecation. But, they express their unwillingness and inability to fully stop this practice, as in some cases they themselves consider it healthy to defecate in the open. You discuss this matter with the District Magistrate who forbids you from taking any official action, as this may cause the 'open defecation free' status given to the district to be withdrawn. As a young and dynamic officer, answer the following: (a) Why do people continue to practice open defecation even when they have access to toilets? (b) What are the options available to you as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in this case? Highlight the merits and demerits of each option. (c) What will be your course of action? (Answer in 250 words)

250 words · 2 toppers answered this

See this question on Topper's Copy by Hashin →

More GS3 questions →