The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) launched on 2nd October, 2014, by modifying the erstwhile Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA), is a community-led and people-oriented programme aimed at universalizing safe sanitation. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) is only sanitation programme implemented by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

The Government launched Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) on 2nd October, 2014 to accelerate efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage, improve cleanliness and eliminate open defecation in India by 2nd October 2019.The program is considered India’s biggest drive to improve sanitation, hygiene and cleanliness in the country. The effectiveness of the Programme is predicated upon generating demand for toilets leading to their construction and sustained use by all the household members. It also aims to promote better hygiene behaviour amongst the population and improve cleanliness by initiating Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) projects in the villages of the country. This is to be bolstered with adequate implementation capacities in terms of trained personnel, financial incentives and systems and procedures for planning and monitoring. The emphasis is on stronger focus on behaviour change intervention including interpersonal communication; strengthening implementation and delivery mechanisms down to the GP level; and giving States flexibility to design delivery mechanisms that take into account local cultures, practices, sensibilities and demands.

• Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) is restructured into Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)
• The Unit cost of the IHHL enhanced from Rs.10,000/- to Rs. 12,000/- so as to provide for water availability, including for storing, hand-washing and cleaning of toilets.
• Central share for IHHLs to be Rs. 7200/- (60%) from Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The State share to be Rs. 4800/- (40%). For North Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and Special category states, the central share will be 10,800/- and the State share Rs. 1,200/-(90%:10%). Additional contributions from other sources are permitted.
• Provision for IEC will be at 8% of total Project cost, with 3% to be utilised at the Central level and 5 % at State level.
• Provision for Administrative Cost will be 2% of the Project cost. Sharing pattern will be 60:40 between Centre and State.
• The part funding from MGNREGA for the payment of Incentives for the construction of Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHLs) is discontinued and the entire amount of GOI share paid from the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
• SLWM funding will be at 60:40 sharing pattern. For CSCs it will be 60:30:10 (Centre: State: Community). CSCs will be constructed only when the Gram Panchayat takes the responsibility of ownership and a sustainable operation and maintenance system is assured.
• The responsibility of construction of all School toilets is transferred to the Department of School Education and Literacy and of Anganwadi toilets to the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Monitoring mechanism will be strengthened. Outputs (Construction) and Outcomes (Usage) will be monitored.
• A menu of accredited Technology options for Toilets and SLWM projects shall be made available to the States by the Swachh Bharat Mission. The Mission will provide a list of minimal acceptable technologies for which assistance under this programme will be available. However use of any superior technology will be permitted at additional cost to be borne by the beneficiary.

The main objectives of SBM(G) are :

• Bring about an improvement in the general quality of life in the rural areas, by promoting cleanliness, hygiene and eliminating open defecation.
• The Unit cost of the IHHL enhanced from Rs.10,000/- to Rs. 12,000/- so as to provide for water availability, including for storing, hand-washing and cleaning of toilets.
• Accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas to achieve the vision of Swachh Bharat by 2nd October 2019.
• Motivate Communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions to adopt sustainable sanitation practices and facilities through awareness creation and health education.
• Encourage cost effective and appropriate technologies for ecologically safe and sustainable sanitation.
• Develop where required, Community managed sanitation systems focusing on scientific Solid & Liquid Waste Management systems for overall cleanliness in the rural areas.

The main activities are :

• Construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHL)
• Construction of Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs).
• Solid Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) activities.
• Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Human Resource Development (HRD) activities.