Exploring Disparities in WASH Inclusion Across Socioeconomic Strata in Rural India: Implications for Sustainable Development Goal (2030)

Abstract

Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) is not just a matter of convenience but a foundation that significantly impacts health, disease burden, social equity, and economic development. The absence of adequate WASH facilities burdens public health systems and hampers economic productivity. This research paper delves into understanding the disparities in WASH inclusion across different socioeconomic strata in rural India and their implications for sustainable development.  We discuss the critical role of socioeconomic inclusion in fostering sustainable development and economic prosperity by using data from the 69th, 76th, and 78th rounds of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted in 2012, 2018, and 2021. The study focuses on twenty states to analyse trends and identify the socio-economic groups that have lacked accessibility to WASH over the years. These states are selected based on their representation in the national sample for all three NSSO rounds. The findings highlight uneven progress across states and inequalities among various social groups and expenditure quartiles, revealing that disadvantaged communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and lower expenditure quartiles, lack adequate access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices. We project the percentage coverage of WASH facilities in 2030 - the UN's target year to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, and show the necessary acceleration to reach the 100% coverage target. The study concludes that targeted interventions are urgently needed to address the identified disparities and calls for policy measures that focus on the most vulnerable sections of society to achieve sustainable and equitable growth.