As part of its cleanliness initiative, the Jal Shakti Ministry has recently launched the rural cleanliness survey known as Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021 under the umbrella of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II. The Swachh Survekshan Grameen was previously executed by the ministry in the years 2018 and 2019. The results for Swachh Survekshan Urban 2021, which is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs since 2016, are yet to be announced.
About Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021
The Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2021 aims to assess the state of cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene in rural India. The ultimate goal is to grant Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status to villages, an upgrade from the ODF status, focusing on adequate toilet construction to prevent open defecation. The ODF Plus status ensures effective management of solid and liquid waste.
This assessment process will be carried out by an expert agency. This year, the survey will cover approximately 17,475 villages across 698 districts.
Evaluation System of the Survey
The evaluation of the rural cleanliness survey will be based on various elements. Direct observation of sanitation at public places will account for 30% of the assessment. Citizen feedback will be given a weightage of 35%, and Service Level Progress on sanitation related parameters will also have a 35% weightage.
About Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II emphasizes the sustainability of achievements made under phase I. It aims to provide facilities for Solid/Liquid & Plastic Waste Management (SLWM) across rural India. The mission will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25, with a total allocation of Rs. 1,40,881 crores.
Funding Pattern
The funding pattern will be different based on the regions. For North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, and UT of J&K, the Centre and States will share funds in the ratio of 90:10. For other states, the ratio is 60:40, and for Union Territories, it is 100%. The Funding Norms for SLWM has been adjusted to per capita basis rather than number of households.
Overview of Swachh Bharat Mission
Launched by the Prime Minister of India on 2nd October 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to intensify attempts to achieve universal sanitation coverage. All villages, Gram Panchayats, Districts, States, and Union Territories in India had declared themselves Open-Defecation Free by the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. This was accomplished by constructing over 100 million toilets in rural India.
Budget Allocations
In the Union Budget 2021-22, it was announced that Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 would be implemented over five years from 2021 till 2026, with a budget allocation of Rs. 1.41 lakh crore. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II was launched in 2020, which led to the introduction of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for addressing water security.
Schemes under Swachh Bharat Mission
Several schemes form part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The GOBAR-DHAN scheme launched in 2018, aims to increase farmers’ income by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas. Under the Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) scheme, individuals are given Rs. 15,000 for constructing toilets. In addition to these, the Ministry of Education launched the Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan with the goal to provide separate toilets for boys and girls in all government schools within one year.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024