Worldwide, India has the highest number of people defecating in the open. In an attempt to
reduce number of open defecation, a supply side initiative is underway. In 2014-2015,
Government of India, constructed 8 million toilets. However, an important aspect for this
supply-side initiative to become successful is to create demand for toilets. In this paper we
look at household demand for toilets, and study the factors leading to open defecation. Using
Demographic and Health Survey data we create a wealth index, and use it to rank household
preference for toilets vis-à-vis 20 other different consumer durables. Our results suggest,
among lists of household items that any individual want to have, toilets get a lower
preference – ranked 12, out of 21. Additionally, we examine preference structure for using
toilets among residents from various federal states in India. We find residents of NorthEastern
states are more likely to use toilets. We further investigate factors leading to toilet
usage among households. Results indicate a strong case for imparting education and public
awareness, especially, among the female cohort.