Gujarat Elections 2017: In model state Gujarat, this village doesn't have toilets

If there is one campaign that has been the dearest to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's heart, it's Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan, and that is precisely the campaign that has failed in the Dalit basti Rohitvas in Vadnagar town of Mehsana district.

While the rest of the town boasts good roads, huge railway station, a medical college, a polytechnic among other amenities, Rohitvas that has a population of 2,000 with about 350 households, lacks latrines. As a result, men and women must resort to open defecation.

A Zee 24x7 team which was visiting the basti met 58-year-old Bhikhiben Parmar who was headed to the fields. That is where most women in the basti relieve themselves early in the morning. When asked why she had not submitted an application to the city council, Bhikhiben said she did so more than thrice, but officials never paid any attention.

Bhikhiben is not alone. Alkhiben Parmar, too, has the same complaint. Shekharbhai and Naina Shrimali have a toilet built, but it is in such a bad shape that they can't use it. The city council, which is expected to reimburse the expenditure, has not done so.

Jasodaben Parmar's story is no different. She spent her own money to build the toilet, but the council has not paid her, despite running from pillar to post. A public latrine was constructed, but it remains locked as the council has not recruited staff to clean it.