Phase-II of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

Why in News?

The Centre has extended Phase-II of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) until March 31, 2028, with an expected allocation of around Rs 7,000 crore in the Union Budget 2027-28.

• Target Deadline – The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti must ensure that all remaining villages achieve 'Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus' status by March 31, 2028.
• No Further Extensions – The Finance Ministry’s approval specifies that no additional time extensions will be considered beyond this date.
• Current Progress – Out of approximately 5.86 lakh villages across India, around 5.70 lakh villages have attained ODF Plus status, leaving roughly 16,000 villages to be certified.

Definition of ODF Plus – An ODF Plus village sustains its open-defecation-free status while implementing effective solid and liquid waste management and maintaining visual cleanliness.

About Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

• Launch– 2 October 2014.
• Ministry– Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation).
• Objective– Eliminate open defecation and improve rural sanitation.
• Phase II– Approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 February 2020.
• Initial duration– 2020–21 to 2024–25; subsequently extended.
• Current extension– Until 31 March 2028.

Objectives of Phase II

• Sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status achieved during Phase I.
• Ensure scientific management of solid and liquid waste.
• Transform villages into ODF Plus villages.
• Promote behavioural change and community participation.
• Improve rural cleanliness and public health.
• Progress– According to the November 2026 report, 5.70 lakh out of 5.86 lakh villages have been declared ODF Plus.

Financial Outlay and Fund Sharing

• Total approved outlay (2020)– Rs.1,40,881 crore.
• Central share through DDWS– Rs.52,497 crore.
• Allocation for 2026–27– Rs.7,192 crore.
• Funding sources include the 15th Finance Commission grants, MGNREGS and revenue-generation models.

Reference

The Indian Express| Phase-II of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)