The social benefits of sanitation facilities are multifaceted. Accordingly, the Government of India has introduced the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) to improve sanitation conditions. This article investigates how, as a catalyst, the SBM has changed the sanitation infrastructure and environment in different Indian states. The article uses state-level panel data from 2014–2015 to 2018–2019. The results show that household latrine coverage has improved considerably with the introduction of the SBM. As a public-funded initiative, the SBM seems to have been an important catalyst in building awareness and creating a conducive sanitation environment by constructing latrines. One may expect such changes to encourage private expenditure on sanitation and lead to a sustainable environment in the country.
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