Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organisation.
  2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

Notes:

The India Sanitation Coalition

  • It was launched on June 25, 2015, at FICCI, New Delhi.
  • It is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors/bi-lateral/multilateral, experts, etc. to work in the sanitation space to drive sustainable sanitation through a partnership model. 
  • The vision of the alliance is to enable and support an ecosystem for sustainable sanitation through a partnership mode.
  • It currently has over 150 organizations that are engaging with it in various capacities. They have been awarded as a top contributor in the “Corporate Category” for the Swachh Bharat Mission by The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India in 2018. 

The National Institute of Urban Affairs

  • It is an institute for research, training, and information dissemination in urban development and management.
  • It is located in New Delhi, India.
  • It was established in 1976 as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act.
  • The Institute is supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Government of India, State Governments, urban and regional development authorities, and other agencies concerned with urban issues.
  • As a hub for the generation and dissemination of cutting-edge research in the urban sector, NIUA seeks to provide innovative solutions to address the challenges of a fast urbanising India, and pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable cities of the future.
  • It was appointed as an apex body to support and guide the Government of India in its urban development plans. Since then, it has worked closely with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, alongside other government and civil sectors, to identify key areas of research.