Revised Swachhagrahi Guidelines- 2018

About Dataset

This document, dated 07.08.2018, contains the revised Swachhagrahi Guidelines, 2018 issued by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India, under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) [SBM(G)]. The guidelines recognise Swachhagrahis as the grassroots-level motivators and “foot soldiers” of SBM(G), responsible for promoting behaviour change and sustainable sanitation practices in rural areas. They emphasise that Swachhagrahis play a critical role not only in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status but also in sustaining ODF outcomes through post-ODF activities. The guidelines recommend that every village should ideally have at least one Swachhagrahi, with preference given to women candidates. A Swachhagrahi may be a volunteer from the local community, including ASHA workers, ANMs, Anganwadi workers, water-line staff, pump operators, members of NGOs/CSOs, youth organisations or the general public. The roles and responsibilities of Swachhagrahis are organised into three broad phases: planning, implementation and sustainability. During the planning phase, Swachhagrahis undertake pre-triggering activities, facilitate community triggering sessions using Community Approaches to Sanitation (CAS), conduct participatory mapping of open defecation and household sanitation status, support Gram Panchayats in preparing time-bound village action plans, facilitate Nigrani Samitis, conduct household visits, generate demand for toilets and promote hygiene awareness. During implementation, they assist Gram Panchayats in mobilising trained masons and communities for construction of quality household toilets, provide information on appropriate toilet technologies, monitor construction quality and promote construction and maintenance of institutional toilets in schools, Anganwadi Centres and health facilities. They also coordinate with Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, teachers, self-help groups and youth organisations for sustained behaviour change. The sustainability phase includes geotagging of toilets, retrofitting of dysfunctional or poorly constructed toilets, ODF verification, Nigrani Samiti activities, community water conservation, awareness programmes, operation and maintenance of toilets, ODF Plus activities, solid and liquid waste management, cleaning of water sources, and menstrual hygiene management. The guidelines also prescribe arrangements for recruitment and deployment. The Swachhagrahi position is voluntary and is not intended to be permanent, although appropriate incentives are to be provided. Engagement is to be undertaken by the District Water and Sanitation Committee on the recommendation of the Gram Panchayat, with adequate representation of men and women. Basic qualifications include residence in the same or neighbouring Gram Panchayat, access to a toilet and good communication skills. Swachhagrahis should ideally undergo a five-day CAS training in community mobilisation and triggering skills and should be provided with a toolkit containing resource materials, SBM(G)-branded clothing, a cap, torch and whistle. After ODF declaration, additional orientation is prescribed on ODF sustainability, ODF Plus, retrofitting, solid and liquid resource management, faecal sludge management and menstrual hygiene management. The guidelines provide an activity-wise incentive structure for both pre-ODF and post-ODF activities. Incentives cover activities such as toilet construction and sustained use, geotagging, household verification, conversion of dysfunctional toilets into functional toilets, retrofitting, solid and liquid waste management, visual cleanliness, ODF sustainability and facilitation of toilet construction by new households. Non-financial incentives, including recognition and awards, are also encouraged. The guidelines further recommend an online registration system, publication of Champion Swachhagrahi stories, ICT-based training, communication and technical training, and career progression opportunities. Monitoring is to be undertaken through the SBM(G) MIS Swachhagrahi monitoring database and dashboard, which captures information on availability, activity status, performance, training and incentives. States are responsible for updating the database, while districts are required to maintain trained Swachhagrahi rosters and replace inactive personnel within one month of reporting.