When Swachhata Became a People’s Movement

This PIB backgrounder details the evolution of rural sanitation in India under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), moving from infrastructure creation to behavioral change, ODF sustainability, and solid and liquid waste management. It highlights progress under SBM-G Phase II, including the classification of ODF Plus villages (Aspiring, Rising, and Model stages), the GOBARdhan initiative, and community-led models. The release emphasizes the critical role of grassroots institutions such as Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, women's self-help groups under DAY-NRLM, schools, and youth in driving sanitation outcomes, generating green livelihoods, and fostering a sustained people's movement (Jan Bhagidari) through campaigns like Swachhata Hi Seva.