SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM (G)] Phase-II is making steady progress amidst Covid-19 with 1249 villages declared ODF(Open Defecation Free) Plus.
SBM (G) Phase-II was approved in February 2020 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
ODF Plus entails that ODF behaviours are sustained, and every village has access to solid and liquid waste management.

Important points:

It emphasizes the sustainability of achievements under phase I and to provide adequate facilities for Solid/Liquid & plastic Waste Management (SLWM) in rural India.
SBM (G) Phase-II will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25 in a mission mode with a total outlay of Rs. 1,40,881 crores.
The fund sharing pattern between Centre and States will be 90:10 for North-Eastern States and Himalayan States and UT of J&K; 60:40 for other States; and 100% for other Union Territories.
Funding Norms for SLWM have been rationalized and changed to per capita basis in place of the number of households.

The SLWM component of ODF Plus will be monitored on the basis of output-outcome indicators for 4 key areas:

Significance:

It will continue to generate employment and provide impetus to the rural economy through construction of household toilets and community toilets, as well as infrastructure for SLWM such as compost pits, soak pits, waste stabilisation ponds, material recovery facilities etc.
It will also help rural India effectively handle the challenge of solid and liquid waste management and will help in substantial improvement in the health of the villagers in the country.

Way Forward

The pandemic has largely sensitized the people of this country towards personal health and hygiene. This awareness must be built upon to further the goals under Swachh Bharat Mission.
The landmark allocation, to the tune of 1.42 lakh Crores over 2021-25, made by the 15th Finance Commission towards Water and Sanitation sectors is termed as a game changer for Gram Panchayats.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES ,MINT

Post Views: 35