Question : Success of SBM

(a) whether the Government proposes to adopt 25 new points for compliance by the implementing agencies with a view to make the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)more successful;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of those 25 points;
(c) the manner in which these points are proposed to be implemented;
(d) whether the Government has changed the criteria/definition of Open Defecation-Free (ODF) Villages/districts based on usage of toilets and not mere construction of toilet, and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to change the mindset of people and create awareness about reducing open defecation and the funds spent thereon in the last two years for the purpose, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION
(SHRI RAMESH CHANDAPPA JIGAJINAGI)

(a) No, Madam.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The term Open Defecation Free (ODF) has been defined nationally to have uniform standards across the country. It is defined as the termination of faecal-oral transmission, defined by:
• no visible faeces found in the environment/village; and
• every household as well as public/community institutions using safe technology option for disposal of faeces.

The usage of toilets is implicit in this definition.

(e) The SBM(G) focuses on behavioural change and community engagement. For this, capacity building of key stakeholders such as State Officials/Collectors/CEO of Zilla Panchayats/Chairman, Zilla Panchayat is being carried out. Up to 8% of total resources can be spent on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) - of these 5% are to be spent at the State and district levels. The States have been advised to spend at least 60% of IEC funds for inter-personal communication (IPC) activities. Many States are focusing on community approach, wherein the people are directly triggered and made aware about the importance of sanitation and hygiene using triggering tools. Besides, conventional IEC tools are also used to educate the people. State-wise, central expenditure incurred on IEC during each of the last two years is at Annexure-1.