The Game Changer SBM Gramin

1. The Game Changer SBM Gramin SBM Gramin, also known as Swachh Bharat Mission Rural, aims to provide every rural household in India with access to a toilet by 2nd October 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The programme focuses on constructing individual household toilets (IHHL) and community toilets, promoting behavioural change around sanitation, and ensuring the sustainable management of solid and liquid waste. It has been a game-changer in improving rural sanitation in India. The programme's participatory approach, coupled with a focus on behavioural change and sustainable waste management, has led to significant improvements in access to toilets and a reduction in the incidence of diseases. One of the key features of SBM Gramin is its participatory approach. The programme involves active participation from local communities, including women and children, in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of sanitation activities. This approach has been instrumental in ensuring that the programme is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each community, leading to higher rates of adoption and sustained use of toilets. Since the launch of SBM Gramin, there has been a significant increase in the number of households with access to toilets in rural areas. According to government data, the percentage of rural households with access to toilets increased from 39% in 2014 to 100% in 2019. This achievement is a testament to the success of the programme and the efforts of various stakeholders involved in its implementation. The impact of SBM Gramin goes beyond just improving sanitation. The programme has had several positive socio-economic effects on rural communities. Improved access to sanitation has reduced the incidence of diseases such as diarrhoea, which is one of the leading causes of child mortality in India. The construction of toilets has also generated employment opportunities for local communities, including masons, plumbers, and sanitation workers. While SBM Gramin has been successful in achieving its targets, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to sustain the gains made. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that toilets are used regularly and effectively. Many households in rural areas still lack the knowledge and awareness of proper toilet usage and maintenance, leading to toilets being used as storage spaces or not being used at all. The programme must continue to focus on promoting behavioural change around sanitation and ensuring that toilets are used effectively. Another challenge is the sustainable management of solid and liquid waste. While SBM Gramin has led to the construction of millions of toilets, many rural areas still lack proper waste management systems. This has led to the accumulation of solid and liquid waste in open spaces, leading to environmental and health hazards. The programme must continue to focus on building capacity and infrastructure for the sustainable management of waste in rural areas. The India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of SBM Gramin. As a multi-stakeholder platform, ISC brings together various actors, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector, and civil society organizations, to collaborate and share knowledge

2. around sanitation. ISC has supported the programme by providing technical assistance, promoting behavioural change around sanitation, and advocating for sustained investments in rural sanitation. Through its efforts, ISC has contributed to the success of SBM Gramin and the wider goal of making India open defecation-free.