-PTI With the twin objectives of preventing corrosion of tracks and providing odourless Toilets to passengers, railways are replacing existing ones with bio-Toilets. "While some green Toilets designed by DRDO are already being manufactured and fitted in coaches, we are committed to manufacture 25,00 bio-Toilets in the current fiscal," said a senior Railway Ministry official. The problem of environmental degradation and corrosion of tracks due to night soil has been engaging the attention...

ASHAs will continue to bear the burden of the government's rural health mission as a new order lists more incentive-based services. On May 31, a Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare order listed additional incentivised duties for accredited social health activists, or ASHAs, but was silent on the issue of regularisation of their employment. ASHAs, who bridge the gap between the rural population and the nearest health care outlets under...

-PTI Methane gas generated from human waste could be used to light up bio-Toilets developed by scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.  Acting on suggestions made by Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh, the premier research agency is now working to provide lighting solution for the convenience of those who will use bio-Toilets in darkness.  "We are finding out the means to do it as the rate of production of...

While the country has made progress in reducing poverty, it has lagged behind in improving sanitation India has made headway in reducing poverty and giving access to drinking water for much of its population, but has lagged behind in improving sanitation, food security, maternal mortality and gender equity standards, putting it at risk of missing key targets, said the Millennium Development Goals Report 2012 released on Monday. According to the report, which...

-PTI Awarded Rs.2 lakh each by Sulabh International Low-cost sanitation organisation Sulabh International on Wednesday awarded Rs.2 lakh each to three brides who revolted against the absence of Toilets at their in-laws’ residence. Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak gave away the awards to Priyanka Bharti, Priyanka and Kumari Jyoti at a function organised at Vishnupur village, 30 km from the district headquarters. Modern Toilets constructed Sulabh has constructed modern Toilets for them. Dr. Pathak announced a “Sulabh...