Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Phase II Emphasises ODF Plus

17 Feb 2026 CW Team

Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II is being implemented from 2020–21 to 2026–27 with a focus on sustaining open defecation free status and converting villages to ODF Plus model villages. According to data reported by States and Union territories on the Integrated Management Information System of SBM(G) as on 10 February 2026, the programme covers a total of 586,944 villages, of which 496,180 have been declared ODF Plus. The records show arrangements for solid waste management in 529,231 villages and for liquid waste management in 546,487 villages.\n\nSanitation remains a state subject and the Phase II design emphasises both infrastructure and behavioural change to secure sustained improvements in hygiene and cleanliness. Information, education and communication is integral to the programme and underpins outreach by promoting community participation or Jan Bhagidari. The approach is intended to strengthen community ownership of assets created under the programme and to sustain visual cleanliness and other indicators of village sanitation.\n\nUnder Phase II, States and Union territories are expected to develop and implement their own IEC campaigns and to amplify central initiatives so as to reach district, block and village levels. The campaigns focus on sanitation, hygiene and waste management components to broaden engagement and improve practices. For IEC and capacity building activities expenditure of up to five per cent of total project funds is permissible, with up to two per cent to be used at the central level and up to three per cent at the State and district level.\n\nThe information was provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. Annexure one attached to the response sets out State and Union territory wise counts as reported on IMIS of SBM(G) as on 10 February 2026.

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