What is the Swachh Bharat Mission?

Introduction to Swachh Bharat Mission

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a flagship national-level cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India. It was initially announced by the Prime Minister on Independence Day 2014.

The mission officially commenced on 2nd October 2014, a date strategically chosen to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, honoring Mahatma Gandhi's vision of cleanliness.

Evolution: Swachh Bharat Mission Phase II

Recognizing the need for sustained efforts, Phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission was officially approved in February 2020. This subsequent phase builds upon the achievements of Phase I.

Phase II primarily focuses on sustaining the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status achieved in the first phase. It also places a strong emphasis on comprehensive Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) in rural areas.

Key Principles and Goals of SBM

• Toilet Construction: A primary goal was the construction of individual, cluster, and community toilets. This was crucial for eliminating or significantly reducing open defecation, a major contributor to child mortality and various health issues.
• Monitoring Usage: Beyond mere construction, SBM established an accountable mechanism to actively monitor toilet use. The focus was on ensuring behavioral change, not just infrastructure development.
• Public Awareness: A significant component involved promoting widespread public awareness about the severe drawbacks of open defecation. This aimed to encourage consistent and proper toilet use.
• Behavioural Change: The mission sought to fundamentally change people’s attitudes, mindsets, and behaviours towards sanitation. This was achieved through dedicated ground staff and extensive awareness campaigns.
• Clean Villages: SBM aimed to ensure overall cleanliness in villages. This included effective implementation of Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) strategies, primarily through the involvement of Gram Panchayats.
• Water Supply: A crucial enabling factor was the installation of water pipelines. This initiative ensured a consistent water supply to all households, making toilet usage practical and hygienic.

Funding and Budget Allocation

The government demonstrated substantial commitment through significant financial investment. From 2015 to 2020, SBM had an average annual budget of approximately 1.25 billion USD.

The central government provided financial incentives and technical support to state governments. These incentives covered various sanitation efforts, including toilet construction and waste management initiatives.

The Swachh Bharat Kosh was established to facilitate broader participation. It allows for contributions from the public, corporate entities, and individuals, specifically for sanitation infrastructure purposes.