Introduction
Launched in March 2020, Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen Phase II aimed to consolidate and sustain rural sanitation gains made under SBM‑I by transitioning villages from Open Defecation Free (ODF) to ODF Plus—ensuring solid and liquid waste management and visual cleanliness by March 2025. With a ₹1.4 lakh crore outlay, it was designed as a mission‑mode program backed by convergence across schemes. While the Economic Survey and program audits highlight transformative gains—such as 3.64 lakh villages achieving ODF Plus status—field reviews and governance checks reveal persistent execution gaps, resource constraints, and sustainability concerns. This blog explores both the successes and shortcomings of Phase II, drawing on audit findings and ground realities.
Implementation Framework & Policy Genesis
The Phase II operational guidelines (May 2020) outlined components including:
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Sustaining ODF behaviour
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Solid and liquid waste management (SLWM)
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Visual cleanliness norms
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Faecal sludge and greywater systems;
It mandated convergence with Jal Jeevan Mission, MNRE for biogas, livelihood schemes, and capacity strengthening via IEC (up to 3%) and NGO participation ([turn0search9]turn0search6]turn0search7]).
The mission leveraged digital monitoring via MIS and e‑GramSwaraj, and emphasized local institutional support through Gram Panchayats and Panchayati Raj Institutions ([turn0search6]turn0search2]).
Key Achievements & Audit-Verified Impact
✅ Milestone: ODF Plus Coverage
According to the Economic Survey 2024‑25, 3.64 lakh villages achieved ODF Plus status by November 2024—ensuring continued ODF practices with functional SLWM, wastewater management, and community engagement ([turn0search1]turn0search5]).
Top-performing states include Telangana (100%), Karnataka (99.5%), Tamil Nadu (97.8%), and UP (95.2%). This reflects high alignment with sustainability goals and Behaviour Change outreach ([turn0search11]turn0search6]).
✅ Community Innovation
The Economic Survey spotlights community-led models—like a Kerala gram panchayat operating door‑to‑door waste collection managed by women, generating ₹2.5 lakh monthly and providing livelihood while boosting waste recycling ([turn0search5]).
Audit Findings & Governance Gaps
⚠️ Skewed Implementation & Idle Infrastructure
In regions like Noida, cluster infrastructure like bio‑gas units and waste systems remain unoperational—constructed but non‑functional—as identified by district officials ([turn0news19]).
⚠️ Misreporting & Data Credibility Issues
In Haryana, 81 of 87 ULBs falsely reported 100% door‑to‑door collection during the Swachh Survekshan survey. Ground audits revealed actual coverage as low as 35–59%, risking funding credibility under SBM‑II ([turn0news12]).
Similarly, Uttarakhand’s cities such as Dehradun recorded steep drops in collection and processing despite modest survey performance—highlighting unreliable data systems ([turn0news20]).
⚠️ Equity Shortfalls in Tribal Areas
In Nandurbar, Maharashtra, tribal villages still lack functional toilets and water access despite being labeled ODF. Many households cannot construct toilets due to upfront cost barriers. Implementation delays continue despite official claims of coverage ([turn0news18]).
⚠️ Symbolism Over Substance
In Nagpur, reappointment of brand ambassadors overlooked true grassroots actors, diluting citizen-driven sanitation efforts. Critics allege the program became symbolic, undermining authenticity and accountability ([turn0news24]).
Emerging Successes: Urban Sanitation Integration
While Phase II focuses on rural, it ties into broader sanitation performance through Swachh Survekshan urban rankings:
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Lucknow achieved 3rd rank nationally in million-plus cities, scoring 12,001 out of 12,500, with >97% segregation, composting units, and public behaviour campaigns ([turn0news15]turn0news16]turn0news22]).
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Kolhapur (urban) and Mahabaleshwar Giristhan received “Water Plus” status for sewage treatment and reuse in the 3–10 lakh category ([turn0news13]).
These examples reflect cross-learning between rural and urban sanitation strategies.
Challenges & Structural Gaps: A Synthesis
| Area | Concern Highlight |
|---|---|
| Data Integrity | Reliance on self-reported data; overstated results flagged |
| Operational Sustainability | Infrastructure built but not maintained or activated |
| Social Equity | Exclusion of marginalized groups unable to afford solutions |
| Governance Accountability | Local champions overlooked; limited citizen feedback loops |
| Resource & Convergence Issues | Delayed fund convergence and limited role of NGOs and PRIs |
Recommendations for Sustaining Impact under Phase II
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Strengthen Third‑Party Monitoring
Enable independent audits and sample verification against MIS claims—ensuring accurate SLWM and toilet usage data. -
Fix Implementation Accountability
Empower Gram Panchayats with capacity-building support, and make operational status of assets (e.g. compost units, toilets) a performance metric. -
Finance Equity Access
Streamline subsidy-delivery to poor households without requiring large upfront funds; consider upfront grant support or microfinance linkage. -
Promote Community Leadership
Recognize effective grassroots civic actors in campaigns (not symbolic ambassadors), and involve them in behaviour-change planning and monitoring. -
Enhance Data Transparency & Digital Governance
Publish dashboards tracking IEC reach, functionality of assets, grievance redressal, and ODF sustainability metrics via online public portals. -
Institutionalize SLWM Integration
Sustain and extend convergence with Jal Jeevan Mission, GOBAR-DHAN, MNRE, and SHGs via formal Gram Panchayat planning and service models ([turn0search7]turn0search9]). -
Monitor Vulnerable Zones
Design targeted audits for tribal and remote blocks; deploy focused interventions to ensure inclusive sanitation access. -
Ensure ODF Sustainability Beyond 2025
Launch post-ODF‑Plus monitoring and refresher IEC campaigns, sanitation worker safety protocols, and climate‑resilient system designs via technical SOPs ([turn0search2]).
Conclusion
Swachh Bharat Mission Phase II marks a critical evolution from mere infrastructure delivery to sustainable sanitation citizenship. With over 3.6 lakh villages achieving ODF Plus status, the mission reflects transformative rural sanitation gains. Yet persistent gaps in data integrity, equitable implementation, asset activation, and social inclusion underscore the fragility of these gains.
To secure future success, India must institutionalize independent monitoring, empower local panchayats, ensure inclusive financing, and build durable mechanisms for citizen involvement and transparency. Only then will rural sanitation become not just a policy milestone—but an enduring social norm at scale.