Open Defecation Free
Full Form of ODF
What is ODF?
ODF stands for Open Defecation Free, a status awarded to villages, districts, or states under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launched by the Government of India in 2014. The term signifies that no person in the designated area practices open defecation, achieved through the construction of individual household latrines (IHHL) and community toilets, coupled with behavioral change campaigns. The ODF protocol is verified by third-party agencies and is a key performance indicator for local governance. It is widely used in rural development reports, government policy documents, and by organizations like UNICEF and WHO tracking sanitation progress. For competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, and state PCS, ODF is a frequently asked topic under schemes and social welfare. The initiative has significantly reduced waterborne diseases and improved dignity, especially for women. India declared itself ODF in 2019 after constructing over 100 million toilets, though sustainability remains a challenge.
ODF का फुल फॉर्म
खुले में शौच मुक्त
Example
The district collector announced that the village has been certified as ODF after a thorough inspection by the sanitation committee.