The government has announced a major push to improve public sanitation, revealing plans to build 29,000 modern “aspirational toilets” across 3,920 municipal areas in all 36 states and Union Territories. These toilets will come up in places that see large crowds, including tourist spots, pilgrimage centres, and busy public areas.

Madhya Pradesh will get the highest number of these facilities at 5,131, followed by Maharashtra (4,385) and Tamil Nadu (3,762).

What are ‘aspirational toilets’?

These restrooms are designed to be more comfortable and easier to use. They include:

  • Automatic flushing

  • Voice assistance

  • Separate areas for men and women

  • Gender-neutral and child-friendly sections

  • Power backup

  • Smart systems for better hygiene

  • User-friendly designs

To mark World Toilet Day, around 900 such toilets across 100 complexes, including one each in Indore and Lucknow, were inaugurated at a programme held by Sulabh International.

In its statement, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said the Swachh Bharat Mission is now encouraging all urban local bodies (ULBs) to set up better public toilets, especially in busy and tourist-heavy areas. The ministry has also suggested that these upgraded facilities should be officially labelled as “aspirational toilets.”

Speaking at the event, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, “Across India and around the world, better and cleaner toilet systems are being put in place. In our country, too, mindsets are changing, and must change. You judge cleanliness by not just seeing a tidy home or bedroom, but by the condition of the kitchen and toilets.”

Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil underlined how toilets have changed the lives of women, especially in rural parts of the country. He said, “Safe sanitation and safe water are essential, and it all begins with access to toilets. In rural areas, 12 crore toilets have been constructed.” He added that the availability of toilets has helped protect the dignity, safety, and pride of women.

Kumar Dilip, president of Sulabh International, appreciated India’s progress in sanitation and showed how innovative solutions and community efforts have brought dignity to people.