Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, a non-profit voluntary social organisation founded in 1970 by Dr.

Bindeshwar Pathak, is dedicated to Gandhian ideology of emancipation of scavengers. Sulabh has been working for
the removal of untouchability and social discrimination against scavengers, a section of Indian society condemned to
clean and carry human excreta manually. Sulabh is noted for achieving success in the field of cost-effective
sanitation, liberation of scavengers, social transformation of society, prevention of environmental pollution and
development of non-conventional sources of energy.
Environmental friendly two-pit, pour-flush compost toilet known as Sulabh Shauchalaya that is socially acceptable,
economically affordable, technologically appropriate and does not require scavengers to clean the pits and
implemented in more than 1.2 million houses all over India that has helped liberate over a million scavengers.
Construction and maintenance of public toilets at public places and in slums on pay & use basis is a landmark of
Sulabh in the field of sanitation. So far it has constructed and is or maintaining over 8000 such public toilets in India
and has constructed 200 biogas plants all over the country. Production of biogas from public toilets and recycling and
reuse of effluent through simple and convenient method is the major breakthrough in the field of sanitation and
community health.
Dr. Pathak clearly realised that the liberation and rehabilitation of scavengers or Balmikis was not an easy task. It was
indeed difficult, for the worst victims of institutionalised discrimination over the centuries, to break out of the vicious
circle and join the mainstream of society. Hence, he devised a well thought-out and multi-pronged strategy to
rehabilitate the Balmikis by providing them alternative employment and integrating them into the mainstream. His
strategy for liberation of Balmikis through the Sulabh movement consists of a mixed package of technology,
rehabilitation, with alternative employment and social reform. This holistic approach is radically different from other
social reform movements in that it combines technology with social idealism. His scientific and humane approach
towards abolishing scavenging is inspired by a commitment to basic human rights and based on years of research
and study of the problem.
The Sulabh approach to restore human dignity to Balmikis has five distinct stages:
a. Liberation;
b. Rehabilitation;
c. Vocational training;
d. Proper education of next generation; and,
e. Social elevation
Sulabhs determined and principled intervention has yielded good results. It has been able to liberate and rehabilitate
more than a million Balmikis during its four-decade old struggle.
Traditionally, no attention was paid to occupational hazards of hygiene and health, associated with scavenging. On
the one hand, society required scavengers to remove night soil by hand and carry the buckets on their hip or
head. On the other side, they were socially looked down upon, and boycotted for their unclean work. Moreover,
people dont realise how cruel and callous they have been towards this community and that Balmikis civic disabilities
are largely a result of the open and prolonged exploitation. There is need to sensitise people, particularly the new
generation, about the nightmarish plight of this community.
Committed to stave off the historical and prolonged injustice against Balmikis, he strove hard and finally came up with
a suitable technology to convert lakhs of bucket latrines into flush toilets. The two-pit pour-flush toilets developed by
Sulabh caught the imagination of the nation and as a result Sulabh public and individual toilets came up all over India.
At the same time, Sulabh took care to provide alternative jobs to the Balmikis, rendered jobless by large-scale
conversion of privy latrines into Sulabh toilets.
Skill development is
important for all but it is crucial for the less educated. To the members of depressed classes, particularly Balmikis, it
has a pointed relevance. Not only are they low in literacy and education, but also possess few skills that merit market
demand. Sulabh has paid special attention to skill-development and vocational training of the children from the
Balmiki community. It has set up many centres and institutions across the country to equip wards from this
community with vocational training in many market-friendly trades.
The problem of Balmikis is as much economical as it is socio-cultural. Traditions take time to change and require the
will and initiative from all sections of society. Sulabh has evolved the modality of social adoption with this in view. It
is purely voluntary. All it costs is a will to shed social prejudices and compassion for fellow humans. A well-meaning
and committed citizen formally and publicly adopts a Balmiki family. Subsequently, the two closely interact and visit
each others home. At times, the adopting person helps the adopted family to get over minor or major problems of
social adjustment. As adopters are generally persons of social standing and prestige, their approach and interaction
become role models for others. Social adoption has salutary effect on the integration of the Balmikis in the
mainstream of society.
Environmental Sustainability
In the developed countries, the standard practice for the sanitary disposal of human waste is sewerage. Due to
financial constraints, lime neguired to lay sewers and exorbitant maintenance and operational costs, sewerage is not
the answer at present to solve the problem of human waste management in India. Sewerage was first introduced in
London in 1850, followed by New York in 1860. Calcutta in India was the next city in the world to have this privilege in
1870, yet out of over 4,800 towns/cities in India only 232 have the sewerage system and that too partially.
In the developing countries neither the government nor the local authorities, or the beneficiaries can bear the total
capital expenditure and operation & maintenance costs of sewerage system. Moreover, it requires skilled persons
and good management for operation and maintenance. It requires over 2 gallons of water to clean human excreta.
Do we build huge dams and irrigation systems to bring in water only to flush it down into an expensive sewage
system, all ending up polluting our rivers and ponds? Most of the rivers are heavily polluted due to untreated
domestic sewage load from the cities. This has led to deterioration of groundwater aquifers and community health.
The septic tank system is also expensive and requires a large volume of water for flushing. There is shortage of
drinking water in almost all urban areas; hence water has to be conserved. Septic tank has other problems like
periodic cleaning and disposal of sludge. Inadequate effluent disposal is a source of foul smell, mosquito breeding
and health hazards.
Education
The Sulabh Sanitation Movement started with the objective to liberate and elevate the status of scavengers. Towards
this, it adopted a two-pronged strategy; a state-of-the-art technology to reach sanitation facilities even to the poorest,
and to bring scavengers in the mainstream of Indian society. The Sulabh International, under the inspiring leadership
of its Founder, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, branched into several inter-related activities meant not only to rehabilitate,
socially and economically, those weaned away from scavenging, but also to restore their self-esteem and self-
respect. Towards this, the Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology (SICAS) was established in 1993. The
main objectives were to develop a systematic understanding of the social, economic and psychological problems of
scavengers or Balmikis and to evolve and implement a range of innovative, sustainable and replicable activities which
would bring the Balmikis into the national mainstream.
Education holds the key to
any major change and development. Literacy and education in India are woefully low, particularly among Dalits and
Balmikis. In recent years, the educational infrastructure has expanded considerably and schools have been set up on
commercial lines. These schools offer physical and instructional facilities comparable to those in developed countries.
But very few children coming from low-income households, particularly Balmikis have access to these centres of
quality education. Moreover, since most of them are first generation learners, they are hardly inclined towards the
education of their children, especially of girls. With this objective of imparting quality education, Sulabh Public School
was set up in Delhi in 1992. The school aims to prepare children from the weaker sections of society for a better life.
The school brings quality education within the reach of boys and girls from Balmiki families. Apart from English and
Hindi, Sanskrit is also included in the curricula, not only to provide modern, but also the traditional learning, so that
the children do not forget the roots of Indian culture. Previously Balmikis were not permitted to learn Sanskrit! The
school also offers a wide range of support facilities. In addition, it regularly organizes co-curricular activities with a
view to promoting social integration. This serves as a role-model to be replicated throughout India towards providing
quality education to poor students.
The Sulabh Public School has marked features that distinguish it from
others. The ratio of the students is 60 percent Balmikis and 40 percent from the general category. Balmiki students
are provided free tuition fee, uniform, books and stationary. The School is recognized by the Directorate of Education,
Govt. of Delhi. It provides education up to tenth standard. The present strength of the School is nearly 400 students.

Rural Sanitation
Towards Rural Sanitation Sulabh Sets New Trends
Sulabh has taken up a programme of rural sanitation in 350 districts of the country, where
volunteers have been trained in the technology, methodology implementation and follow-up work. Masons have been
trained. Pans and water seals have been made available at various centres so that people of the area can have the
facility to construct toilets to suit their income and choice. The cost ranges from US$ 10 to US$ 600.
A campaign has been launched to make the people in rural areas aware of the fact that they should not go barefoot
for open defecation; should put soil on human excreta after defecation so that flies do not sit on excreta and, in turn,
on the food, which is the main cause of diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera etc. Literature has been published in 18
languages of the country and social workers distribute them to the beneficiaries. The mass communication workers
perform dramas, mono acts, hold painting competitions in schools, to promote awareness. A full-fledged two-hour
feature film has been made to make the people aware of the importance of sanitation. The film will also provide
entertainment. In rural areas, most children suffer from worm infestation viz. hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm etc.
Apart from other medicines available, people are advised to take Anjir (fig.); to take it themselves and also give to
children one in the morning after putting it for the whole night in water. This kills bacteria responsible for growth of
worms a cost effective device.
Most schools in rural areas do not have toilets for children. Consequently, boys and girls face a lot of difficulty. This
increases drop-out rates particularly of girl students. Apart from the Government programmes, Sulabh has initiated a
programme to get toilets constructed in schools by taking donations from private people as well as NRIs. Within 10
years, every school in India will be provided with Sulabh toilet facilities in this way. Teachers and students are also
taught how to keep the toilets clean. Children are given responsibility by turns to maintain the toilets and teachers
also inspect and supervise by turns. The number of toilets is as per the strength of the students. As already
mentioned various programmes such as health check-up camps, rural sanitation etc. have been taken up in villages
in Maharashtra, Uttaranchal and Haryana. For the speedy implementation of sanitation programme in rural areas
Sulabh has made the following proposals:
1. A nation-wide campaign is necessary to make people aware of the adverse effects of open air defecation which is responsible
for infections and a number of diseases. The people should be motivated not to be bare-footed while going for open
defecation as this will save them from parasitic diseases. This type of education will be necessary until adequate toilet
facilities are available in the villages.
2. People in rural areas going for open defecation should be educated to put soil on human excreta after defecation so that flies
may not sit on the night soil and become carriers of diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, dehydration and cholera etc. which are
responsible for the death of about half a million children every year in the country.
3. Experience shows that it is not practicable to impose any uniform design of a toilet on users. There should be several designs
of pour flush toilets meant for families below poverty line or those belonging to middle income group or higher income
groups. (Sulabh has prepared 46 designs which form part of its Project Report). The choice of designs should be left to
beneficiaries who will take a decision, keeping in view their resources.
4. The possible help either in the form of subsidy or loan or both should be extended to all beneficiaries who want to have
toilets in their homes irrespective of income groups. The criteria for the selection should be first-come first- served.
5. The programme of construction of toilets in rural areas is linked to making people aware of sanitation standards and the
adverse health impact of insanitary conditions which require house-to-house contacts and follow-up. This can only be done
effectively by NGOs. The role of NGOs is, thus, very crucial in the implementation of the sanitation programme throughout
the country.
6. The NGOs should be identified either by the State Governments or the District Administration. The selection of NGOs
should be based on their experience, expertise and infrastructure.
7. The NGOs identified for implementation of the programme should be given proper training in various aspects of the
programme. A comprehensive programme of giving them training at various levels has been prepared which forms part of
the Project Report.
8. The entire range of training starting with information, education, communication implementation and follow-up should be
given to the same NGO. It has been experienced that if the work is divided among various organisations, it becomes a case of
divided responsibilities that hamper progress of the work.
9. The NGOs selected for sanitation work should be allowed 15% of the estimated cost of the IEC activities, including
implementation and follow up services. In addition, 10% of the project cost should be allowed for training and support
services, like publicity which would include printing of booklets, literatures, posters, organising dramas and nukkad plays
etc. For setting up sanitary marts and production centres, subsidy as admissible under Government of India Sanitation
Programme should also be paid to the NGOs.
10. Interest-free bank loans should be provided to all beneficiaries who want to have toilets in their houses.
11. A nation-wide campaign should be launched through media for generating demand for safe hygienic toilets. The people
would, thus, be saved from diseases which occur on account of open air defecation and insanitary toilets. The women will
also be saved from the agony and humiliation of open air defecation. Apart from a door-to-door campaign, it will be the
responsibility of NGOs to publish literature in local languages and make them available to the people. For a wide publicity of
the sanitation programme among the beneficiaries through pamphlets, booklets, calendars, etc. 10% should be given to the
same NGO which will be identified for implementation of the sanitation programme.
12. The implementation of the programme will require social mobilisation on a large scale which will include people belonging
to various groups. Politicians and policy makers will have to be involved in a big way so that they can take interest in policy
decisions in favour of sanitation programmes. The social mobilisation would also include village elders, doctors, lawyers and
school teachers. Print media, radio and television will have to be fully involved in the implementation of the programmes.
13. School sanitation will form an important component of the programme as it is through school teachers and students that the
message of sanitary toilets will reach the villages. The NGOs which have been identified by the State Governments or district
administration, in a particular area for construction of toilets, should also be allowed to do construction and maintenance
work of toilets in schools in that area, as also to impart training about construction and maintenance to teachers and students.
14. Public toilets in rural areas are generally not favoured. Public toilets, however, should be constructed near Panchayat
Bhawans, village markets, health centres, bus-stands and other public places where people congregate in large numbers. Such
public toilets shall be constructed by NGOs and maintained by them on a pay & use basis.
15. The following recommendations of the Planning Commission in the 10th Five Year Plan should be accepted in
implementation of the rural sanitation programme successfully.
o Under the existing arrangement subsidy is available only for substructure. The Planning Commission has re-commended that
the subsidy should be inclusive of sub and super structure for the basic twin-pit pour-flush system.
o The subsidy for low-cost household toilets should be given to rural families below poverty line and it should be at par with
subsidy in the urban households. The Planning Commission has recommended that the present subsidy level should be
increased to 50%.

Sulabh Story in Brief
Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on email

Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, a non-profit voluntary social organisation founded in 1970 by Dr. Bindeshwar
Pathak, is dedicated to Gandhian ideology of emancipation of scavengers. Sulabh has been working for the removal of
untouchability and social discrimination against human scavengers, a section of Indian society condemned to clean and carry
human excreta manually. Sulabh is noted for achieving success in the field of cost-effective sanitation, liberation of scavengers,
social transformation of society, prevention of environmental pollution and development of non-conventional sources of energy.
Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers
Scavengers, a class of people united in their suffocating misery, were traditionally
ordained in Indian society to clean and carry human waste, even those whose excreta they carry on their heads hate scavengers!
Reduced to the depths of degradation, as untouchables, and forced to lead a sub-human existence, they were the worst victims of
a cruel social order.
It is a common sight to see scavengers, mostly women, moving with excreta on the head, stored in bamboo-baskets, or in leaking
drums, with the muck trickling down over face and body. Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak strategy for liberation of Balmikis through the
Sulabh movement consists of a mixed package of technology, rehabilitation, with alternative employment and social reform.
The Sulabh approach to restore human dignity to Balmikis has five distinct stages:
a. Liberation;
b. Rehabilitation;
c. Vocational training;
d. Proper education of next generation; and,
e. Social elevation
Eco-friendly Technology
Environmental friendly two-pit, pour-flush compost toilet known as Sulabh
Shauchalaya that is socially acceptable, economically affordable, technologically appropriate and does not require scavengers to
clean the pits and implemented in more than 1.2 million houses all over India that has helped liberate over a million scavengers.
Sulabh Public Toilet Complexes
Construction and maintenance of public toilets at public places and in slums on pay & use basis is a landmark of Sulabh in the
field of sanitation. So far it has constructed and is or maintaining over 8000 such public toilets in India.
Provision of Sulabh public toilet complexes at public places and in slums on pay and use basis is an important activity of
Sulabh in the field of community health and hygiene and environmental sanitation which has constructed public toilet complexes
in different parts of the country, where maintenance is provided round the clock. These complexes are located at public places
like bus stands, hospitals, markets etc. and in the slums. For the construction, operation and maintenance of these complexes, the
organization plays the role of a catalyst and a partner between the official agencies and the users of the toilet complexes. When
facility for bathing is also provided with the community toilets, and above all if they are kept clean, people have no hesitation in
paying a nominal charge for the use. For washing hands soap powder is provided to users. Children indigent persons are
exempted from such charge. The system of operation and maintenance of community toilets evolved by Sulabh has proved a
boon for the local bodies in their endeavour to keep the towns clean and improve the environment. This is a unique example of
partnership of local authorities, non-governmental organization, and the community.
Biogas from Public Toilets
Recycling and use of human excreta for biogas generation is an important way to get rid of health hazards from human excreta,
besides promoting use of biogas for cooking, lighting and electricity generation. Biogas digesters when attached to public toilet
complex recycles human waste into biogas. The biogas from public toilets has multiple benefits improving sanitation,
community health and hygiene, environment and providing dignity to women and girls. In addition to using biogas for different
purposes. To overcome the problems, Dr. Pathak invented an efficient design of biogas plant linked with public toilets. Under the
system only human excreta with flush water is allowed to flow into biogas plant for anaerobic digestion. For biogas generation no
manual handling of excreta at any stage is required. Sulabh installed 200 biogas plants in the public toilets all over the country.
Production of biogas from public toilets and recycling and reuse of effluent through simple and convenient method is the major
breakthrough in the field of sanitation and community health.
The biogas produced is used for cooking, lighting mantle lamps, and electricity generation. Cooking is the most convenient use of
biogas. Recently Sulabh has modified the genset which earlier required 20% diesel and 80% biogas. It does not require diesel and
runs on 100% biogas. This has made electricity generation from biogas more sustainable.
Sulabh Effluent Treatment (SET) System
After a series of experiments a simple and convenient technology named Sulabh
Effluent Treatment (SET) are invented to further treat effluent of biogas plant. The technology is based on sedimentation and
filtration of effluent through sand, aeration tank and activated charcoal followed by exposure to ultraviolet rays. The treated
effluent is colourless, odourless and pathogen free having Biochemical Oxygen Demand less than 10 miligram per litre and is
safe for discharge into any water body without causing pollution. It can also be used for cleaning of floors of public toilets in
water scarce areas.
Implementation of Public Toilet with Biogas Plants at Kabul, Afghanistan
Sulabh was assigned to implement a few projects on sanitation, in Afghanistan, in
collaboration with the Municipality of Kabul, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. In close
cooperation with the local government, Sulabh identified 5 sites for implementing public toilets linked with biogas plants and on-
site device for treatment of human waste near markets or at other public places where sanitation facilities were absent. During
construction stage, local people were involved. Design of public toilet was finalized taking into consideration local socio-cultural
aspects and easy maintenance. For the operation and maintenance of toilet complexes and biogas plants, adequate training was
provided to local persons, selected by the local government. All these toilet complexes are run on pay and use basis. Initially
Sulabh maintained these complexes, and thereafter handed them over to the local body for operation and maintenance. However,
it has helped improving the sanitation scenario providing employment opportunity to the local people.
Human waste from public toilets at all the five sites is being used for generation of biogas, which is used for cooking, lighting,
electricity generation and warming oneself. Effluent of biogas plant is treated on-site, rendering it fit for discharge in a water
body. It was observed that during December, 2007 when atmospheric temperature in Kabul dipped to minus 30C, the biogas
production continued and local people used it for heating, lighting etc.
Sulabh Technology Reduces Green House Gas Effect
In addition to conserving and reusing water the system has additional inbuilt advantage of reducing green house gas effect arising
out of carbon dioxide and methane production due to degradation of human waste. Due to design of leach pit of Sulabh toilet in
households, the carbon dioxide produced is diffused in the soil through honey combs and does not escape in the atmosphere.
Because of anaerobic digestion of human waste during biogas production, methane is produced that is used for different purposes
viz. Methane as such is not left to escape in the atmosphere. Thus, both these technologies help in reducing greenhouse effect and
thus improving the environment.
Financial Viability of the Projects
Since human excreta were considered as the most hated object in the society, it was difficult for anyone to conceive financial
viability of a project related to its disposal. However, Sulabh has made it financially viable. The cost of construction is met by the
local body. The maintenance of toilet blocks and day-to-day expenses is met from the users charge. Sulabh does not depend on
external agencies for finances and meets all the financial obligations through raising internal resources. All the toilet complexes
are not self-sustaining particularly those located in slums and less developed areas. The maintenance of such toilet complexes is
cross-subsidized from the income generated from toilet complexes in busy and developed areas.
Elimination of social stigma and psychological taboo: Earlier there was a social stigma and psychological taboo attached to
handling of human excreta. It could also be due to the fact that only people of lowest economic and social strata were supposed to
be associated with this job. Due to the efforts of Sulabh, and financial viability, people from higher social status now compete to
take up sanitation projects without psychological reservations.
Altogether there are 60,000 volunteers working with Sulabh that include technocrats, managers, scientists, engineers, social
scientists, doctors, architects, planners and other non-revenue staff. Sulabh takes 30 years maintenance guarantee for the toilet
complexes constructed by it.
The task of total sanitation coverage in any country can be fulfilled only through close co-operation between local government
and the community or local NGOs involved with such work. Neither Government nor NGOs/CBOs can fulfill the task alone as
the problem requires both technical as well as social aspects to be tackled. Therefore, it needs a holistic effort to overcome the
problem. The strategy developed by Sulabh can easily be replicated in other developing countries to improve the sanitation status
and quality of life.
Sulabh International in collaboration with UN-HABITAT, Nairobi has trained professionals from 14 African countries for their
capacity development towards achieving the MDG for sustainable development in water and sanitation. The Sulabh technologies
have received worldwide recognition. Sulabh has recently signed a MoU with Ethiopia to provide its expertise to improve
sanitation, health and hygiene. It has trained more than 50,000 people to work in the construction and maintenance of community
toilets in India.

Timeline of Sulabh History
Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on email

1968: Sulabh Technology
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak joined the liberation of scavengers cell of the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebration Committee in 1968
when he was entrusted with the task of finding out an alternative to scavenging. Dr. Pathak modified and developed a technology
of two-pit pourflush toilet (popularly known as Sulabh Shauchalaya). He also succeeded in demonstrating the effectiveness of the
two-pit pourflush toilet system. Today, engineers not only from India but even from the World Bank have accepted that the on-
site excreta disposal toilet system is an alternative to scavenging, open-air defecation and unhygienic, unsafe systems of human
waste disposal like trench and borehole latrines, in the developing countries of the world.
1970: Sulabh Organisation Registered
By the time Dr. Pathak found the alternative to scavenging, the Bihar Gandhi Centenary Celebration Committee was dissolved by
the government. That year, he founded the non-profit making voluntary social organisation, Sulabh Shauchalaya Sansthan (now
known as Sulabh International Social Service Organisation), to carry out the work of liberation of scavengers. Thus, the seeds of
the Sulabh Sanitation Movement were sown in 1970. The mass movement by Dr. Pathak started spreading all over the country
with a cadre of about 50,000 Sulabh volunteers, now working from right atop the mountain at Vaishno Devi, to deep down in
South and in the farthest corners in the east and the west of the country.
1972: Catalytic Agent
After developing a technology, Dr. Pathak evolved a methodology which also spelt out how a non-profit making social
organization could work as a catalytic agent between the government, local bodies and the beneficiaries. It was felt that the
government alone could not liberate scavengers from the subhuman occupation. House-to-house contact and campaigns in local
languages for their liberation were suggested as part of the methodology which was adopted by the Bihar Government. Later on it
was adopted by many state governments. During the past 40 years, Dr. Pathak brought the scavengers liberation programme
from the micro-level to the macro-level.
In 1973, he had put up just two Sulabh Shauchalayas for demonstration in the compound of the Arrah Municipality, a small town
of Bihar. Since then Sulabh has converted about one million bucket latrines into Sulabh Shauchalayas throughout the country;
and more than a million scavengers have been liberated and over 640 towns have been made scavenging-free.
1974: Pay-and-Use System
In 1974, the Sulabh Founder gave another concept of maintaining the community toilets and bath on the pay-and-use basis.
Before 1974, public latrines in India were regarded as hell-holes. Nobody was able to find a solution to this problem. Dr. Pathak
found one and, on that basis, over 7,500 public toilet complexes are being maintained absolutely clean, spick and span in 25
states and four Union Territories, in 1585 towns, including metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. These
Sulabh toilet complexes are used by over 15 million people a day.
1978: Historic Seminar
Seeing the success of the scavengers liberation movement in Bihar, the Ministry of Works and Housing, Government of India, in
collaboration with the WHO and UNICEF, organised a national seminar in Patna in 1978 on conversion of bucket latrines and
liberation of scavengers. In this seminar, representatives from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works
and Housing, international agencies like WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, and the Secretaries and Chief Engineers of all the state
governments participated. They all approved the Sulabh technology and methodology for adoption by individuals as well as
institutions. And, thus the work of liberating scavengers and the maintenance of public latrines and baths started from Bihar to
spread throughout the country in due course.
1980-81: Legal Protection
Dr. Pathak persuaded the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to include liberation of scavengers and their
rehabilitation programme on the whole-town approach basis. Under the scheme, implementation of the Protection of Civil
Rights Act 1980-81, was taken up in two towns of Bihar, Biharsharif and Purnia. In 1981-82, two more towns of Bihar,
Daltonganj and Chaibasa now in Jharkhand, were taken up. Later, the programme was moved on to other states. The state
governments agreed to provide alternative employment to liberated scavengers and hence all of them got jobs. No one has
become unemployed so far. The Ministry of Welfare, Government of India, later took charge of this programme.
1984: Biogas from Public Toilet
The first Sulabh public toilet-linked biogas plant was set up at Adalatganj, Patna. It produced electricity from biogas which was
supplied to the 3 kms long Bailey Road, Patna. Now over 200 such biogas plants are in operation all over the country.
1985: Training and Rehabilitation
With the help of the Ministry of Welfare, Government of India, the Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, and the Bihar
State Scheduled Castes Development Corporation, Sulabh started a training and rehabilitation programme for the wards of
scavengers in different trades like shorthand, typing, motor driving, mechanics, masonry work, carpentry, canework, etc. A large
number of children of scavengers have already been trained. This programme is being extended to cover the entire country. The
programme was later expanded to include regular education and technical training.
1985: Technology Evaluation
The UNDP and the World Bank after evaluation of the Sulabh technology of the pour-flush toilet and the methodology of the
maintenance of public toilets and baths on pay-and-use basis, passed it on to the countries of South-East Asia, Africa and Latin
America for their adoption.
1986: Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act
Dr. Pathak persuaded the Ministry of Welfare to give stipends to the wards of Muslim and Christian scavengers also for training
and rehabilitation. Earlier, these were available only to Hindu scavengers. Without this, the wards of Muslim and Christian
scavengers would have been left out and the movement for their liberation and rehabilitation would have suffered a setback.
1988: Scavengers in Temple
Dr. Pathak solved the problem of entry of Harijans into the Nathdwara Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, for prayers in 1988. The
controversy of entering the temple had taken a serious turn and so many attempts, made by others, had failed. The situation
became so serious that the then President of India, Mr. R. Venkataraman, wanted himself to lead Harijans into the temple. Even
the political leaders and the state government officials had to go to the temple with police protection. This attracted Dr. Pathaks
attention who, with 100 scavengers and orthodox Vedic Maithil Brahmins, entered the Nathdwara Temple, offered prayers and
recited Bhajans and Kirtans. The scavengers and the whole group took their meal together. This programme was performed
without police protection. On return from the Nathdwara Temple, Dr. Pathak, along with the scavengers and the Vedic Brahmins,
was given audience by Mr. R. Venkataraman, the then Vice-President, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and the late Prime Minister,
Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. This act of Dr. Pathak was quite in line with Dr. Ambedkars who had led a group of Harijans to draw water
from a public tank, Chodor Talen, at Mahad in Kolaba district of Maharashtra in 1927 and led another Satyagraha to establish the
right of the untouchables to enter the famous temple of Kalaran in Nasik in 1930.
1989: Casteless Puja
On his return from Nathdwara, Dr. Pathak launched a campaign to help the Scheduled Castes offer prayers in temples and
performing Puja at their homes by Vedic Brahmins. Also, he started common Puja and dining programmes where members of the
Scheduled Castes did fasting, sat on the Puja and prepared prasad. They also prepared food for lunch or dinner. After the Puja
was over, the prasad and food were distributed by Scheduled Castes to all, including Vedic Brahmins, who also ate with them.
This programme, which is continuing since then, has got wide acceptance.
1990: Social Upgradation of Scavengers
To improve the social status of scavengers in India, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak launched a movement to socially upgrade them. This
was a novel concept. There was a question mark as to whether after liberation, training and education, scavengers and their
children will have upgraded status in society to be on par with the so-called upper-caste people. To socially upgrade the
scavengers status in society, Sulabh started a social upgradation campaign, calling upon high-status family in society to socially
adopt a scavenger family who will be treated like family members. Association with these high-status people would raise the
status of the scavengers. This programme took off very well. So far, 10,000 scavenger families have been adopted by high
status people, including judges, advocates, journalists, ministers and planners. Among them were the then Union Deputy
Commerce Minister, Mr. Salman Khurshid, Planning Commission member Ms. Chitra Naik, Times of India Editor, Mr. Dilip
Padgaonkar, and former Prime Minister, Mr. I.K. Gujral.
1992: Awareness Campaign
In February 1992, Sulabh organised a National Seminar on Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers in New Delhi in which
Vice-Chancellors, professors, planners, and administrators passed a resolution to make it a peoples movement. The seminar was
inaugurated by the former President of India, late Giani Zail Singh. Dr. Pathak regularly took such steps to create social
awareness against unfounded beliefs and prejudices. He organised conferences, seminars, workshops, plays and folk dances on
these themes. The attempt was to involve a large number of people from all walks of life in order to speed up the pace of the
movement.
1992: Educate, Organise and Agitate
On the educate, organise and agitate principle of Baba Ambedkar, Sulabh set up an English medium school in Delhi for the
sons and daughters of scavengers wherein education was given in three principal areas: General and theoretical education,
compulsory vocational education (knowledge of office management, shorthand, typing and computer training), and optional
vocational education (intensive training in specific vocations) so that they may not have to wait in long queues for employment.
This will also enable them to be self-employed or get jobs. Sixty per cent of the schools enrolment was of scavengers children
and the rest was from other families to visibly obliterate discrimination. This unique experiment was extended to other states
also. The idea is: Education alone can empower the weak and poor.
1994: The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
The first of its kind in the world, the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets was set up in Delhi. The museum, through artefacts,
pictures, posters and other available materials, tells the story of the development of toilets through the ages. This is the star
attraction at the Sulabh Service Centre, Mahavir Enclave, Palam, New Delhi.
1996: Duckweed Project
Sulabh demonstrated an eco-friendly low-cost technology for waste water treatment through duckweed. The technology, besides
having low operational and maintenance costs, gives economic return in terms of pisciculture.
1997: Sulabh Thermophilic Aerobic Composting (STAC)
A new technology for composting of biodegradable wastes, known as Sulabh Thermophilic Aerobic Composting (STAC) was
developed in 1997. It requires only 8-10 days to degrade any biodegradable materials without churning.
1998: Peoples Commission
Sulabh set up a Peoples Commission on the Abolition of Scavenging. The then Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee,
inaugurated the commission at a function organised on November 26, 1998 to honour him with the Honest Man of the Year
Award, 1997. Justice M.N. Venkatachalliah, former Chief Justice of India, and Chairperson of the National Human Rights
Commission, was the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Commission.
2000: Sulabh Towards Villages
Sulabh Towards Villages, a national campaign to improve rural sanitation, was started in 2000.
2001: Training of Women
Sulabh started a country-wide programme for involvement of women in sanitation, health and hygiene.
2002: Sulabh Effluent Treatment (SET) Technology
Sulabh developed a new and convenient technology to make biogas plant effluents free from colour, odour and pathogen-free.
The technology known as SET (Sulabh Effluent Treatment) lowers BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of effluent to less than
10 mg/l, making it suitable for agriculture, aquaculture or safe discharge into a river or any water body or cleaning of floors of
public toilets.
2003: Sulabh University
Steps were taken to establish a Sulabh University of Sanitation; Compilation of Encyclopaedia on Sanitation has also started;
WASH campaign launched in collaboration with the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, Switzerland; Started
another Sulabh Vocational Training Centre for liberated scavengers (Nai Disha) at Alwar, Rajasthan. UNDP recognizes Sulabh
technologies in its Human Development Report 2003; a Sulabh delegation visited Afghanistan to take up sanitation work.
2004: Members of The U.N. Millennium Project Task Force on Water and
Sanitation Visit Sulabh Campus.
2005: Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation was
Registered Under The Societies Registration Act 1860 by The Registrar,
Government of Delhi.
23 professionals from 5 countries attended the International Workshop on Sanitation Technologies organized by Sulabh
International Academy of Environmental Sanitation in collaboration with UN-Habitat; Sulabh activities find mention in President
APJ Abdul Kalams book Mission India - A Vision for Indian Youth 2006. UNDP re-recognizes Sulabh technologies in its
Human Development Report. 24 professionals including representatives of UN-HABITAT covering 14 African countries
attended the International Capacity Building Workshop, organized by Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation
in collaboration with UN-HABITAT; Stanford University includes article on Sulabh That Gandhi may not be born again in
its curriculum and five public toilets with biogas plants were set up in Kabul, Afghanistan, with the financial support of the
Government of India.
2007: World Toilet Summit 2007
Sulabh organized the World Toilet Summit 2007 in collaboration with the World Toilet Organization (WTO) in which
representatives of 44 countries participated. And after the three-day conference, a Delhi Declaration was issued for a cleaner
world; Mission Sanitationa fashion show for a cause was held at the Embassy of Bulgaria in New Delhi when the trainees of
the Sulabhs Nai Disha centre in Alwar assembled on the dais after walking the ramp with prominent Indian models, showcasing
their talent.
2008: Liberated Scavengers of Alwar Visit New York
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) invited Sulabh International Social Service
Organisation to host Mission Sanitation, a special cultural event in collaboration with UN-NGO-IRENE Network at the United
Nations, New York, on July 2, 2008, to seek and raise awareness and accelerate the progress towards improved sanitation
worldwide; A fashion show was organized where rehabilitated women scavengers, accompanied by prominent models wearing
Indian garments embroidered by them, walked the ramp in the United Nations with great pride and grace. The liberated women
scavengers also visited the Statue of Liberty at the New York harbour to declare their liberation from the subhuman, demeaning
and humiliating profession of cleaning dry privies and physically carrying human excreta (night-soil) of others, to make a living
for their families; and on coming back home, they paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his Rajghat Samadhi, in New Delhi on
July 15.
2008: The President Meets Liberated Scavengers
The Honble President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, met Mrs. Usha Chaumar and other liberated scavengers at
Rashtrapati Bhawan on July 25, 2008 on their return from New York. The President wished them a happy and prosperous new
life, after being freed from age-old social prejudices. The President said that only after more scavengers are liberated Mahatma
Gandhis dream would come true.
2008: Untouchables Enter Temple
The liberated women scavengers visited Jagannath temple in Alwar along with their families and the families of those in whose
houses they had earlier cleaned bucket toilets and they all jointly performed Puja in the temple. This was followed by a
community lunch in which all of them participated jointly. A history of sorts was created on December 21, 2008 when people
witnessed an unprecedented event of common dining in Hazoori Gate colony of Alwar, where families of erstwhile untouchable
scavengers use to live. That those who thought even the shadow of a scavenger befalling them will pollute them have now shared
common dining is no less than achieving almost the impossible. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had dreamt of
such a happening. Now, the dream has come true. This act helped to remove, to a considerable degree, social untouchability and
discrimination from the caste-ridden Indian society: a shameful practice attached to 5,000 years of social prejudice. It was the
beginning of lighting of a candle in the darkness and a first step in the journey of miles.
2009: Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi takes food with Liberated Scavengers
It was a proud moment for liberated untouchable scavenger families from Alwar, Rajasthan, when they were invited to the
national capital to share meals with families of Upper Social Strata (of those in whose houses the scavengers had earlier cleaned
toilets) in the presence of Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, on January 5, 2009. Some of them have
earlier even travelled to New York for a special UN session programme.
2009: Stockholm Water Prize (2009)
Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak was given the 2009 Stockholm Water Prize by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. This is worlds
most prestigious prize for outstanding achievements in water-related activities. The prize includes $ 150,000 and a crystal
sculpture.
2009: Prime Minister of Swedish visits Sulabh Campus
Mr. John Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden, one of the most advanced nations, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Filippa
Reinfeldt, visited its Sulabh campus in Mahavir Enclave on Palam-Dabri Road, on November 6, 2009 to see the operation and
efficacy of the Sulabh technology believed to be a panacea for worsening sanitation problem and increasing environmental
pollution all over the world.
2009: Ambassador of Belgium visits Sulabh Campus
His Excellency Jean M. Deboutte, Ambassador of Belgium and the Second Secretary, Mr. Jochen Anthierens, visited the Sulabh
campus on December 21, 2009. Commenting on the Sulabh technology and the work this organisation is doing, the Belgian
Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Jean M. Deboutte, says: A unique and great project to give human dignity to the most
underprivileged of the society. Your work deserves admiration and respect. It is an example for others!
The Ambassador made these remarks in the Visitors Book after going round the Sulabh Campus and spending more than a
couple of hours seeing operation of the Sulabh technology, the remarkable transformation it is bringing about in the lives of the
scavengers and the bright prospects it is opening up for their children in the school the organisation runs as part of its programme.

2009: Alwar declared scavenging-free
The former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhis birth anniversary was celebrated on November 19, 2009 by Sulabh
International Social Service Organisation as World Toilet Day with a declaration by the erstwhile scavenging women that their
home town of Alwar in Rajasthan, is now completely free from scavenging and they are able to move about like equal citizens
without anybody ever looking at them with contempt.

2010: US Ambassador His Excellency Timothy J. Roemer and his wife Sally
visited the Sulabh campus
On January 15, 2010, the headquarters of the Sulabh Sanitation and Social Reform Movement founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
had rare visitors: Ambassador Timothy Johnston Roemer, United States Ambassador to India, and his charming wife Sally.
Braving fog and morning chill, the couple had come to the Sulabh Campus on Palam-Dabri Road, New Delhi, to see the
operation of the Sulabh technology, which has started ringing a bell everywhere now for it is believed to be a very effective tool
in the armoury for combating the growing spectre of environmental pollution all over the world.
2010: Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium visited the Sulabh
campus
Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium, wife of His Royal Highness Prince Philippe, first in line of succession to the
throne of Belgium, visited the Sulabh Campus on March 23, 2010. The visit of Royal Highness was more of a message than an
event which brings to our mind how diversity of cultures, languages, geography and traditions can be bonded together in
harmonious relations to create a prosperous and happy society like that of Belgium which is a micro-Europe, representing in full
measure, art, science, overseas adventure, industrialization, enlightenment and all else that have made Europe a continent of
destiny.
2011: Liberated scavenger women have holy dip at Varanasi
The ghats on the western bank of the Ganges in Varanasi witnessed a unique event on June 20, 2011 : A group of 207 liberated
scavenging women from Alwar, Tonk (Rajasthan) and Arrah (Bihar) had a dip in the holy river before proceeding to one of the
most sacred of Hindu shrines, Kashi Vishwanath temple, for offering prayers before Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. This was a
remarkable happening, for according to the scriptures, the very glimpse of Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that
transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and Bhakti. All the liberated women were unanimous in their opinion that the
Vishwanath temple pilgrimage was going to change their lives for good.
2011: Visit to Pushkar and Ajmer Sharif
From Varanasi they were taken to Rajasthan to visit the Holy Muslim shrine, Ajmer Sharif, which attracts devotees from all over
the world. On the way to Ajmer Sharif the pilgrims visited Holy Pushkar. They offered their prayers at the Brahma temple there
with usual zeal and fervour. it is said that this is probably the only temple dedicated to Brahma in India. Like most of the pilgrims
at the shrine, the liberated women offered their chadars by way of homage to Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti (known as
Khwaja Gharib Nawaz) credited with supernatural powers of bestowing happiness on all those who visit his dargah. The visiting
pilgrims also went to another pious place at Dagmagpur, situated close to the Ajmer Sharif shrine.
2011: Visit to holy Church and Gurudwara
For the liberated women it was incredible that Father Franco Mulakkal, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi, would address them when
they visited Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi on June 29, 2011. A special prayer meeting was arranged where they offered
their prayers. The Father blessed them and said God always helped those who were kind and noble, who did not harm anyone and
who wished to stand on their own feet. All the pilgrims in the party led by Dr. Pathak were surprised when head of the Dharam
Prachar Samiti invoked the blessings of Sikh Gurus when they visited the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi to offer their
prayers. The head offered siropas to Dr. Pathak and all the pilgrims he was leading from shrine to shrine in order to foster in their
minds love, compassion and brotherhood, stressing that there is no feeling of contempt or discrimination in houses of gods to
whatever religion one belongs.
2012: Rewards for brides who revolted against lack of toilet
The Sulabh Sanitation Award of Rs. 5 lakh was given to Mrs. Anita Bai Narre for the tough stand she took for insisting on a toilet
in her in-laws house. Anita was chosen for this award for refusing to defecate in the open. A tribal woman, she refused to live in
her-in-laws' house because there was no toilet in it, only to return after a week when a toilet was constructed. Anita set an
example in her village, especially in Jheetudhana (Betul), Madhya Pradesh, her in-laws' place. The people of Jheetudhana have
now started planning and constructing toilet in every hutment for fear that more girls may refuse to live there. The bold step taken
by Anita has made her brand ambassador of the sanitation programme.
2012: Three more runaway brides demand toilets
Vishnupur Khurd, a little known village in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh, shot into prominence on June 27, 2012
when three young brides who had deserted their husbands, returned to a grand welcome organised for them by Sulabh
International Social Service Organisation. There was no end to their joy for not only were they reunited with their husbands, but
also toilets had been specially built for them in their in-laws houses. It was the absence of toilets that had made them leave their
husbands shortly after marriage, telling them, if no toilets in your house, I cannot live with you. Sulabh had also rewarded them
with Rs. 2 lakh draft each, as a pat for their courageous stand to demand toilets.
2012: A new life for widows of Vrindavan
Sulabh International Social Service Organisation was approached by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) following
a directive from the Supreme Court of India to explore the possibility of Sulabh's intervention to render relief and sustenance to
the widows. In its social justice litigation plaint filed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, the NALSA had sought
protection and amelioration of the situations faced by old and destitute Vrindavan Widows. The petition stated, they come to
Vrindavan seeking the blessings of Lord Krishna, who according to their faith, was born and lived in Mathura. They eke their
livelihood by singing Bhajans in the ashrams and temples. A large number of them are forced to remain in Vrindavan on account
of poverty and lack of support from their own families. Some have been abandoned in Vrindavan by their close relatives. Many
of them live in government-run homes under pathetic conditions without any proper food, medical and hygiene facilities.