The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, is an ambitious nationwide campaign that transcends mere rhetoric to inspire tangible change, reshaping attitudes and behaviors towards cleanliness across India. At its core, this monumental vision seeks to uplift the nation’s dignity, cultivate pride, and restore India’s pristine glory by tackling inadequate sanitation facilities, eradicating open defecation practices with severe health and environmental consequences, and igniting a collective ownership of cleanliness that challenges deep-rooted societal norms.

From bustling cities to serene villages, the Swachh Bharat Mission has galvanized a silent revolution, uniting citizens in a shared pursuit of environmental consciousness, behavioral transformation, and reclaiming India’s sacred land to its former splendor – a legacy etched in cleanliness that resonates with millions and testifies to the indomitable spirit of the Indian people.

A Brush with History: The Genesis of Swachh Bharat

The seeds of Swachh Bharat were sown in the vision of Mahatma Gandhi.  He believed sanitation was integral to a dignified and healthy life.  Recognizing this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Gandhi’s 145th birth anniversary in 2014, launched the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

The mission was meticulously planned as a two-pronged attack. Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin targeted rural India, focusing on constructing individual household latrines (IHHLs) and eliminating open defecation.  Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) addressed urban sanitation challenges, aiming for 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste.

The mission’s objectives are multifaceted, encompassing the construction of millions of household toilets, the elimination of open defecation, and the promotion of solid waste management practices. However, its true essence lies in the transformative power it wields, the ability to ignite a paradigm shift in mindsets and foster a culture of cleanliness that permeates every aspect of society.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: The Pillars of Success

The Swachh Bharat Mission’s success isn’t merely measured in toilets built, but in the strategies that fueled its progress.  SBM recognized community ownership was key, empowering locals to become stakeholders through champions called Swachhagrahis. Women, disproportionately affected by sanitation issues, were placed at the center, not just as beneficiaries but as agents of change in toilet decisions and hygiene promotion.  Innovation played a vital role with biogas toilets, grievance redressal apps, and gamified behavior change initiatives.  Celebrity involvement further amplified the mission’s reach, with prominent figures normalizing and even glamorizing cleanliness through their participation in cleanliness drives.  By combining community mobilization, women’s empowerment, technological solutions, and celebrity advocacy, SBM transcended brick-and-mortar achievements to inspire a national movement for sanitation.

Swachh Bharat’s Progress Towards an ODF India

The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, the world’s biggest sanitation drive, has achieved remarkable success in transforming India’s sanitation landscape. By 2019, the initiative had facilitated the construction of over 10 crore household toilets, propelling sanitation coverage from 39% to 100%, with 6 lakh villages declaring themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF). Building on this achievement, the Phase-II of the mission, with an outlay of Rs. 1,40,881 crores, aims to sustain the ODF status and implement Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) to transform villages into ODF Plus by 2024-25.

As of now, 75% of villages, amounting to 4.43 lakh, have achieved the ODF Plus status, a significant milestone towards the Phase-II goals. Notably, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura have achieved 100% ODF Plus villages, with Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim boasting 100% ODF Plus Model villages. This mission is significantly improving sanitation and hygiene across India.

The Ripple Effect: Achievements and Ongoing Challenges

The impact of Swachh Bharat has been monumental. Over 100 million toilets have been constructed, leading to a significant decline in open defecation.  This, in turn, has translated into improved public health, particularly for women and children.  Diseases like diarrhea and worm infections have witnessed a significant decrease.

However, the journey isn’t over.  Sustaining this progress and addressing emerging challenges remains crucial.  Solid waste management in urban areas continues to be a complex issue.  Maintaining toilet hygiene and ensuring proper menstrual waste disposal require ongoing efforts.

The ripple effects of this initiative have been far-reaching, transcending mere physical cleanliness. It has empowered communities, particularly women and girls, by addressing the long-standing issue of lack of access to proper sanitation facilities. No longer bound by the shackles of insecurity and indignity, these individuals can now pursue their aspirations with renewed vigor and self-assurance.

Moreover, the Swachh Bharat Mission has ushered in a renaissance of sorts, breathing new life into India’s rich cultural heritage. Ancient monuments, once obscured by neglect and grime, now stand as resplendent beacons of the nation’s glorious past, their intricate carvings and architectural marvels unveiled for all to admire.

Strengthening Swachh Bharat with Policy Framework: Value Proposition and Incentives

Here’s how we can strengthen Swachh Bharat with a robust policy framework:

Value Proposition:

• Improved Brand Image:Corporations participating in Swachh Bharat initiatives can enhance their brand image as socially responsible and environmentally conscious.
• Employee Engagement:Contributing to a cleaner India boosts employee morale and fosters a sense of community.
• Market Access:Some government contracts or tenders might prioritize companies with a strong CSR track record in sanitation.

Policy Framework as proposed key Elements:

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has ignited a revolution in India, transforming sanitation practices and aiming to make the nation “sparkling clean.” This mission goes beyond just building toilets; it incorporates a multifaceted framework encompassing corporate social responsibility, individual incentives, and robust government initiatives.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

The Companies Act mandates that companies allocate a portion of their profits towards social initiatives. While there aren’t tax breaks specifically for Swachh Bharat projects, some states have created matching grant programs to incentivize CSR participation in sanitation efforts. The government also recognizes outstanding CSR efforts through prestigious awards like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Awards.

Individual Incentives:

While individual tax rebates for toilet construction aren’t prevalent nationwide, some states offer subsidies that can reduce the financial burden for individuals. Additionally, the government’s Individual Household Latrine (IHHL) subsidy scheme provides financial assistance for toilet construction in rural areas.

Government Initiatives:

The Swachh Bharat Mission recognizes the importance of capacity building and entrepreneurship development. Through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the government offers skill development programs to empower sanitation workers. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are actively promoted for creating and managing sanitation infrastructure, particularly in urban areas.

Perhaps the most crucial pillar of the Swachh Bharat Mission is its extensive awareness campaigns. Leveraging various media channels and community outreach programs, the mission targets, particularly rural areas, to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene practices. This multi-pronged approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within communities, making the Swachh Bharat Revolution a collective effort.

With the progressive implementations of such comprehensive policy framework that incentivizes both corporations and individuals, Swachh Bharat is on race to gain significant momentum towards clean and healthy India.

The Call to Action: Be the Change

Swachh Bharat is not just a government program; it’s a way of life.  Each of us has a role to play in upholding its values. Here are some ways you can contribute:

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, dispose of waste responsibly, and use toilets properly.

Spread awareness: Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of cleanliness.

As India strides towards its ambitious goal of achieving universal sanitation coverage by 2024, the Swachh Bharat Mission stands as a resounding triumph of the human spirit. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of a nation that has dared to dream big, to confront its challenges head-on, and to emerge victorious in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified existence for all.

In the annals of history, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will be remembered as a defining moment, a turning point where India reclaimed its rightful place as a beacon of cleanliness and progress. It is a journey that has only just begun, a continuous endeavor that will resonate through generations, inspiring others to follow in its footsteps and embrace the transformative power of collective action.

Author: Ashok Kumar Mittal, a distinguished Member of Parliament in India’s Upper House (Rajya Sabha), stands as a prominent figure bridging legislative governance and transformative education. His remarkable journey is characterized by a steadfast commitment to ethical principles and a visionary approach that has positively influenced numerous lives. Notably, Dr. Mittal serves as the esteemed Founder Chancellor at Lovely Professional University, a testament to his enduring dedication to societal improvement.

Dr. Mittal, a law graduate from Guru Nanak Dev University, further solidifies his academic prowess with an honorary Doctorate from Atal Bihari Vajpayee University (ABVU), Chhattisgarh. Beyond the realm of political power, his impact extends beyond enacted policies to the tangible difference he has made in the lives of countless individuals. Dr. Mittal’s leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in ethical principles, permeates every facet of his work, emphasizing that true leadership goes beyond mere position, focusing on creating a positive and enduring impact on society.