CSR in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): What are India's top companies up to?

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has galvanized a number of companies to implement projects across the country. Despite this, very little is known about the approach, nature of interventions and the gaps in implementation. In an attempt to generate evidence-based data that can guide companies and help them make informed decisions about CSR programs, this study analyses existing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs undertaken by companies. The report aims to understand major trends, highlight gaps and suggest potential solutions for stakeholders involved in the sanitationecosystem.

• Ninety percent of the 100 companies reported at least one CSR intervention in WASH over the last three years, with a total of 164 programs carried out. Of these, 38% were public sector undertakings. Tweet
• Heavy Engineering and Manufacturing and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies were more likely to support WASH programs than other industries. They have an incentive to provide facilities for communities residing around their factories as well as the resources to construct these facilities. Tweet
• Data indicated that the most popular states for CSR in WASH were Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These states also reported high rates of open defecation. However, some states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were neglected, despite high open defecation rates. Tweet
• Of the 86 companies that published information on geographical coverage, 52% were focused exclusively on rural areas, compared to only 17% which focused on urban areas. Tweet
• Despite compelling evidence that the construction of toilets alone cannot eliminate open defecation, 75% companies were supporting programs related to creating infrastructure, such as the construction of toilets and water facilities, with little focus on programs aimed at influencing behavior. Tweet
• Only 15% of companies reported incorporating the repair and maintenance of toilets as part of their CSR initiatives. Tweet
• While creating awareness is a necessary part of any program that aims to influence behavior, this forms only one component of an effective behavior change communication program. Tweet
• Companies should consider addressing existing gaps in the WASH lifecycle, such as the operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities and influencing the behavior and attitude of communities. Tweet
• Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) could work to boost community participation and ownership in WASH interventions. Tweet
• Central, State and local Governments should encourage holistic sanitation models and ensure that the political environment is conducive for corporate participation. Tweet
• For a well-functioning WASH market, gaps in the ecosystem need to be addressed. There needs to be more attention given to financing solutions for stakeholders, innovations should be encouraged across the value-chain, actionable knowledge produced and disseminated and stakeholders supported through capacity building initiatives. Tweet