Open defecation free Odisha: achievable or a pipe dream? An analysis of sanitation promotions in Odisha, India

India has the largest number of people practising open defecation in the world; hence progress made by India is of crucial importance to meet the global MDGs and the post 2015 agenda. The state of Odisha has the second largest proportion of people practising open defecation in India. The paper analyses the policy, socio-cultural norms and dynamics affecting the state of Odisha and its struggle to eliminate open defecation. It covers the historical perspective on the approaches used by the Government of India and Odisha. Based on the results and the acquired insights, policy recommendations are provided to achieve an open defecation free state.