SBM-G Guidelines 2018

About Dataset

The Guidelines for Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, updated on 31 December 2018, provide the programme framework for improving rural sanitation and sustaining sanitation outcomes. The document explains the importance of safe sanitation, including safe disposal of human excreta, toilet use, avoidance of open defecation, and management of solid and liquid waste. It describes the health, social, environmental and economic consequences of inadequate sanitation and places particular emphasis on the dignity, safety and well-being of women and children. The guidelines also describe the historical evolution of rural sanitation programmes in India and position SBM(G) as a mission focused on universal sanitation coverage and behaviour change. The document sets out the objectives and implementation strategy of SBM(G). It seeks to improve quality of life in rural areas, accelerate sanitation coverage, motivate communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, promote appropriate technologies and develop community-managed sanitation systems. Planning is organised at State and District levels through State Project Implementation Plans, Annual Implementation Plans and District Swachhata Plans. Behaviour Change Communication is treated as a central element, supported by community approaches to sanitation, interpersonal communication, Swachhagrahis, civil society organisations, self-help groups and other community institutions. The guidelines also provide for capacity building, sanitation technology choices, school and Anganwadi sanitation, incentives for household toilets and programme monitoring. A major part of the document concerns implementation and sustainability of Open Defecation Free outcomes. Swachhagrahis are described as village-level motivators responsible for community mobilisation, demand generation, support to toilet construction and promotion of sustained toilet use. The guidelines provide an indicative framework for engagement, training and incentives. ODF verification is to begin with Gram Sabha or village self-declaration, followed by verification and subsequent checks to support sustainability. The document also stresses community-based monitoring, vigilance committees, social audit, knowledge management and learning from good practices. It provides guidance for identifying and correcting gaps where ODF status is not sustained and encourages continued IEC and behaviour change campaigns. The guidelines further cover institutional arrangements, funding, fund release, monitoring, Management Information Systems, evaluation, technology and research, annual audit and a wide range of annexures. These annexures include formats and guidance on ODF declaration and verification, World Bank assistance, geo-tagging, ODF sustainability, Swachhagrahis, Community Sanitary Complexes, quality of ODF declaration and verification, second verification and Key Resource Centres. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive operational reference for States, districts, Gram Panchayats and implementing partners to plan and implement SBM(G), promote behaviour change, expand sanitation access, verify ODF outcomes and sustain rural sanitation improvements. The document is intended to support consistent interpretation, coordinated implementation and accountable programme management. Its provisions should be read together with the applicable programme guidelines, financial instructions and subsequent approved amendments. The document provides an administrative reference for the concerned authorities and implementation agencies. It helps maintain clarity in planning, execution, monitoring, coordination and reporting. The provisions described in the document are intended to be considered within the applicable programme framework and alongside relevant Government instructions.