A survey for household water and sanitation ASHWAS

The Water Portal had previously covered ASHWAS, an ambitious water and sanitation survey in Karnataka conducted by Arghyam and partner organisations. Read the past entries on this here: https://www.indiawaterportal.org/blog/?s=Anatomy+of+A+Survey The data analysis phase has been completed. The ASHWAS survey report is being released by His Excellency Sri. H. R. Bhardwaj, honorable Governor of Karnataka on 20th July, 2009. Here is a brief about the survey: ==== Arghyam conducted a participatory survey on water and sanitation situation in rural Karnataka called ASHWAS (A Survey for Household Water and Sanitation). The survey intends to capture facts and perceptions about water and sanitation as seen from the perspective of the citizen. The following are the objectives of the survey. * To enhance the shared understanding of problems by providing analysis back to the respondents in a form that can be easily understood. * The survey intends to start a process of consultation that begins, from individual citizen upwards through the panchayats and to the district and state level administration on what issues need to be addressed and how. * To enable decision making based on facts by making data and knowledge available at all levels of stakeholders to enable proactive action. * To strengthen the capacity and skill of individuals and institutions at all levels through awareness and availability of information. The survey covered 17,200 households in 172 gram panchayats (GP) across 28 districts of Karnataka state. On an average the survey covered 100 households in each gram panchayat. Scientific methods of data collection were adopted to ensure high degree reliability. ASHWAS survey comes at a time when policy makers are also beginning to understand the positive impacts of citizens’ audits and assessment. The output of the survey provides quantitative feedback on user perceptions of services, information on status, quality, adequacy and efficiency of services, and potential solutions. The output of the survey includes: Gram Panchayat report cards custom made for each sampled GP. This is easy to understand and is for use by the gram panchayat officials and the village community. The report includes possible solutions to specific problems. A State report card inclusive of reports on districts intended for district and state level governments, research institutions, and advocacy organizations. Advocacy document that provides guidelines on possible solutions that can be adopted by various stake holders. Policy makers can use the information to devise and refine existing or future schemes. In keeping with the participatory approach, it is hoped that the survey results will empower citizens and gram panchayats to make important decisions to enhance safe and sustainable water and improved sanitation situation in rural Karnataka. The ASHWAS Survey intends to provide an impetus in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene by making data and knowledge available to everyone.