Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II: ODF Plus Transformation
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Press Information Bureau released a statement on July 30, 2026, detailing the effectiveness of sanitation initiatives under SBM(G) Phase II. It highlights the transition from ODF to ODF Plus (Model) villages, emphasizing solid and liquid waste management and visual cleanliness.
Background
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) was launched on October 2, 2014, to make India open defecation free by October 2, 2019. Over 10 crore individual household toilets were built, raising rural sanitation coverage from 39% in 2014 to 100% in 2019. Phase II (2020-21 to 2026-27) aims to sustain ODF status and achieve ODF Plus through waste management.
Key facts
SBM(G) Phase II is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by states/UTs in rural areas from 2020-21 to 2026-27.
Main objective: sustain ODF status and equip all villages with solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) and visual cleanliness, transitioning from ODF to ODF Plus (Model).
ODF Plus aspirant village: maintains ODF status and has either solid or liquid waste management.
ODF Plus Rising: maintains ODF status and has both solid and liquid waste management.
ODF Plus Model: maintains ODF status, has both solid and liquid waste management, ensures visual cleanliness (minimal litter, no stagnant wastewater, no plastic waste piles), and displays IEC messages.
Under Phase I (2014-2019), over 10 crore individual household toilets were constructed; rural sanitation coverage rose from 39% to 100%.
Financial support: central and state budgetary allocations, State Finance Commission grants, and other central/state schemes.
Funds for aspirational districts are not separately released; states plan as per local demand under overall Annual Implementation Plan.
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) issues guidelines, advisories, and monitors implementation.
Funds released from FY 2020-21 to FY 2025-26 are provided state/UT-wise in an annexure.
Prelims pointers
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme
- ODF, ODF Plus (Aspirant, Rising, Model)
- Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM)
- Visual cleanliness
- Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS)
- Launch date: 2 October 2014
- Phase II period: 2020-21 to 2026-27
- 10 crore+ individual household toilets built in Phase I
- Sanitation coverage: 39% (2014) to 100% (2019)
Mains angles
- Evaluate the effectiveness of SBM(G) Phase II in achieving sustainable sanitation and waste management in rural India.
- Discuss the challenges in transitioning from ODF to ODF Plus Model villages, including behavioral change and infrastructure maintenance.
- Analyze the role of financial mechanisms (central/state budgets, Finance Commission grants) in implementing rural sanitation programs.
- Critically examine the monitoring and evaluation framework for SBM(G) Phase II and its impact on aspirational districts.