The Swachh Survekshan Grameen, 2021, a survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation to boost the government's push for Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status for villages, was launched, the Jal Shakti ministry said. The programme was launched by Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. An expert agency has been hired to carry out the Swachh Survekshan Grameen, 2021, which will be launched under phase two of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The ministry said 17,475 villages in 698 districts of the country will be covered by the Swachh Survekshan Grameen. Around 87,250 public places, such as schools, Anganwadi centres, public health centres, markets, religious places will be visited for the survey, it said.
Around 1,74,750 households will be interviewed for their feedback on Swachh Bharat Mission-related issues. Citizens will be mobilised to provide feedback online on sanitation issues.
"As part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', Swachh Survekshan Grameen aims to support the acceleration of ODF-plus interventions and results in the country", the ministry said in a statement.
ODF-plus is aimed at ensuring solid and liquid waste management.
This includes ensuring all households, schools, panchayat buildings and Anganwadi centres in a village to have access to toilets and that all public places and at least 80 per cent of households effectively manage their solid and liquid waste with minimal litter and minimal stagnant water.
For the Swachh Survekshan Grameen survey, 30 per cent weightage will be given for direct observation of sanitation at public places, 35 per cent for citizen's feedback, including feedback from common citizens, key influencers at the village level, and 35 per cent for service level progress on sanitation-related parameters.
A detailed protocol has been developed to guide the ranking of districts based on their performance on key quality and quantitative parameters, the ministry said.