The Audacity of a Mission

The recent scientific report published in Nature journal highlights the significant impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on reducing infant and child mortality rates. Coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the SBM, the report underscores the program’s success in improving public health and sanitation in India.

The Mission

• Initiation and Objectives: Launched on October 2, 2014, the SBM aimed to eliminate open defecation by October 2, 2019, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. The mission focused on changing the sanitation habits of 550 million Indians by providing over 100 million household toilets.
• Program Implementation: Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, SBM became a mass movement, with significant public involvement. The campaign employed various platforms, including the “Mann Ki Baat” radio address, to engage communities in making their villages open defecation free (ODF), culminating in nationwide ODF status by October 2, 2019.
• Achievements and Impact: The SBM led to substantial health improvements, as validated by a Nature report indicating a reduction in infant and child mortality by 60,000–70,000 lives annually. Additionally, the program provided economic benefits, saving approximately Rs 50,000 per household annually due to reduced medical expenses and increased time savings.

Lessons and Global Influence

• Key Lessons from SBM: The SBM experience has provided global lessons encapsulated in the "four Ps": political leadership, public financing, partnerships, and people’s participation. These principles were highlighted at the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention and are now applied in global sanitation efforts.
• International Recognition: The SBM’s success was recognized globally, influencing sanitation programs in other countries. For instance, the Clean Nigeria Campaign was inspired by India’s SBM, demonstrating the international impact of India’s approach to sanitation.
• Economic and Health Benefits: Apart from health benefits, SBM also had economic advantages. A UNICEF study estimated significant savings for households in ODF villages, reflecting the broader economic impact of improved sanitation on public health and economic stability.

Broader Context and Other Initiatives

• Broader Government Initiatives: The SBM is part of a suite of government initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, including Ujjwala (cooking gas), Jan Dhan (bank accounts), Awas Yojana (housing), Ayushman Bharat (medical insurance), and Jal Jeevan Mission (water supply).
• Transformational Leadership: Prime Minister Modi’s bold vision and leadership have been crucial in the successful implementation of these programs. His approach to addressing large-scale developmental challenges has set a precedent for similar initiatives.
• Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions: The SBM continues to focus on sustaining its achievements and addressing new challenges. The success of SBM underscores the need for ongoing commitment to public health and sanitation, integrating lessons learned into future policies and programs.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on public health and sanitation in India. Discuss the key lessons derived from SBM that have influenced global sanitation practices and assess the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in the success of SBM and other national initiatives.