Mass Movement for Cleanliness: A nationwide initiative launched on October 2, 2014, to promote cleanliness and make India Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2019, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness.
Scope: Covers both rural and urban areas, with implementation divided between:
Urban Areas: Managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Rural Areas: Overseen by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
SBM-Urban Phase 1 (2014–2019):
Goals:
Eliminate open defecation.
Replace unsanitary toilets with hygienic ones.
Eradicate manual scavenging.
Establish municipal solid waste management systems.
2.6 lakh public toilets in tourist spots, markets, bus stands, etc.
Provision of waste management facilities in 4,401 towns.
Funding Structure:
Central Contribution: 40% as Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
State/UT Contribution: 13.33%, except for Northeast and special states contributing only 4%.
Innovative Funding: Urban local bodies to mobilize the remaining costs.
Phase 2 (2021–2026):
Objectives:
Transition cities to ‘Garbage-Free’ status.
Ensure management of grey and black water.
Upgrade urban areas to ODF+ and ODF++ standards.
Promote 3Rs principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in solid waste management.
Address legacy waste through dumpsite remediation.
Budget Allocation: ₹1.41 lakh crore for sustainable sanitation, waste processing, and capacity building.
SBM-Rural Phase 1 (2014–2019):
Objectives:
Achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages.
Promote solid and liquid waste management.
Increase sanitation coverage by building Individual Household Latrines (IHHL).
Incentives:
₹12,000 for constructing IHHLs for Below Poverty Line (BPL) households and select Above Poverty Line (APL) categories (SCs/STs, farmers, disabled, etc.).
Contribution split:
Central Share: 75% (90% for special states).
State Share: 25% (10% for special states).
Phase 2 (2020–2024):
Goals:
Sustain ODF status achieved during Phase 1.
Expand focus to solid and liquid waste management (SLWM).
Funding and Convergence:
Total allocation of ₹1.40 lakh crore.
Convergence between state and central schemes to maximize resources and efficiency.
Objective: Build separate toilets for boys and girls in all government schools under programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.
Focuses on integrating hygiene practices into schools.
2. Rashtriya Swachhata Kosh:
Purpose: Channel contributions from individuals and CSR funds to support cleanliness projects.
Incentives: Tax benefits for contributions to boost engagement.
3. GOBAR-DHAN Scheme:
Launch Year: 2018, by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Aim: Convert biodegradable waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG) to supplement farmer incomes and promote sustainable waste utilization.
Challenges in SBM Implementation 1. Social and Cultural Barriers:
Sanitation work remains linked to caste-based practices, undermining the goal of inclusivity.
Behavioral resistance in rural areas persists, with open defecation seen as culturally acceptable.
2. Gaps in Toilet Access:
Disparities in toilet construction and access, particularly in urban slums and peri-urban areas.
Poor linkage between toilet construction and waste treatment systems.
3. Technological Challenges:
Overreliance on capital-intensive technologies like waste-to-energy plants, which often fail to deliver on promises.
Lack of emphasis on local engagement and workforce training.
4. Inequity and Privatization:
Increased privatization of waste management has perpetuated caste-based discrimination, with most workers from marginalized communities.
5. Resource Deficiency:
Insufficient sanitation inspectors in urban areas.
Inadequate water supply for rural toilets, leading to non-usage.
6. Child Practices and Awareness:
Open defecation among children remains prevalent, influenced by traditional beliefs and lack of awareness.
Recommendations for Improvement 1. Address Vulnerabilities:
Target marginalized groups such as female-headed households, migrant laborers, and disabled individuals to ensure universal toilet access.
2. Enhance Public Infrastructure:
Integrate sanitation goals with public health systems like schools and hospitals.
Build robust sewage networks in villages, linking rural areas to urban programs like AMRUT.
3. Promote Behavioral Change:
Implement awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of sanitation and hygiene to sustain toilet usage.
4. Strengthen Waste Management:
Focus on segregation at source, scaling waste processing, and eliminating landfills.
Support urban local bodies with adequate resources and capacity-building programs.
5. Reduce Financial Burden:
Rationalize GST rates on recycling and composting industries to promote waste treatment.
6. Adopt Technology:
Leverage e-governance solutions for monitoring sanitation progress, including mobile apps and dashboards for real-time updates.
Key Takeaways The Swachh Bharat Mission has marked a significant milestone in improving sanitation across India. However, sustained efforts in addressing gaps, promoting inclusivity, and integrating technological and behavioral strategies will be essential to fully realize the mission’s objectives and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6).
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