"Community based collective behaviour change had been mentioned as the preferred approach, although the states are free to choose the approach best suited to them. Focus is also on creation of complete ODF villages, rather than only on construction of individual toilets. "In the first step, villages themselves declare ODF in the general meeting. Within 3 months of ODF declaration, State/UT conduct verification using different process. ODF sustainability verification, which primarily focuses on toilet usage is also conducted after a period of 270 days", his reply said.The minister also informed the House that the ODF declared villages are also prioritised in providing piped water supply.

Source: Economic Times February 08, 2018 12:22 UTC