Understanding the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a nationwide campaign in India aimed at achieving universal sanitation coverage and promoting cleaner environments. It was launched by the Government of India. The mission has two main components: Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), or SBM-G, focuses on improving sanitation in rural areas. It has been implemented in phases.

Phases of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) was envisioned to be completed in phases to achieve its objectives effectively.

• Phase 1: This phase focused primarily on achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across villages by providing access to toilets. This phase largely concluded by 2019.
• Phase 2: Following the achievement of ODF status in Phase 1, Phase 2 focuses on sustaining the ODF status and moving towards ODF Plus activities.

Beginning of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase 2

Phase 2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) was approved to be implemented from fiscal year 2020-21 to 2024-25. This phase builds on the achievements of Phase 1 and aims for comprehensive cleanliness by focusing on solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) in villages, in addition to sustaining ODF behaviors.

The key objectives of SBM-G Phase 2 include:

• Sustaining ODF status.
• Ensuring access to sanitation for all households.
• Implementing solid and liquid waste management in villages.
• Promoting ODF Plus elements for higher levels of cleanliness.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options regarding the beginning year of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase 2:

• 2020-21: This year marks the start of the planned implementation period for SBM-G Phase 2.
• 2019-20: This year was largely considered the concluding period for Phase 1, focusing on achieving the initial ODF goals.
• 2018-19: This year falls within the implementation period of Phase 1.
• 2021-22: This year falls within the implementation period of Phase 2, but it is not the beginning year.

Based on the official timeline for the mission phases, Phase 2 commenced from the fiscal year 2020-21.

Conclusion on Swachh Bharat Mission Phase 2 Start

The second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) began in the fiscal year 2020-21, with a focus on consolidating the gains of Phase 1 and introducing ODF Plus elements for improved cleanliness and sanitation management in rural India.

Revision Table: Swachh Bharat Mission Phases

Additional Information on Swachh Bharat Mission

The Swachh Bharat Mission is a flagship program that has significantly changed the sanitation landscape in India. While Phase 1 focused heavily on infrastructure (toilets), Phase 2 adopts a more holistic approach towards hygiene, sanitation, and waste management at the village level. The ODF Plus status aims to ensure that villages have systems in place for managing biodegradable waste, plastic waste, greywater, and fecal sludge, in addition to ensuring visual cleanliness.

The mission encourages community participation and behavioral change communication to ensure the long-term success of the sanitation initiatives. Various technologies and approaches are being explored and implemented for effective solid and liquid waste management in diverse rural settings across the country.