The Swachh Bharat Mission is a government initiative launched in 2014 aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving waste management practices across India. It includes initiatives to build toilets and promote sanitation.
How does SBM relate to India’s ranking in the Environment Performance Index (EPI)?
The SBM aims to improve aspects like sanitation and waste management, which are evaluated in the EPI. Despite these efforts, India's low EPI ranking suggests challenges in effectively addressing environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
What are the main criticisms of the SBM?
Critics argue that the SBM has continued to enforce traditional caste-based roles in sanitation, despite its aim to universalize sanitation responsibilities. Issues like poor construction quality of toilets, lack of access to sanitation in slum areas, and inadequate waste treatment are also highlighted.
Has the SBM achieved its goal of making India open defecation-free?
While the government claims success, independent reports, including one from the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2020, have pointed out shortcomings such as the poor quality of constructed toilets and ongoing issues with open defecation.
What impact has SBM had on the involvement of marginalized communities in waste management?
Despite intentions to reduce manual involvement in sanitation through mechanization, marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, continue to be primarily employed in these roles, often under private contractors. This perpetuates caste discrimination within the sector.
What challenges do city governments face under the SBM?
City governments struggle with the financial and logistical demands of managing waste, including the high costs of new technologies and equipment. The reliance on private contractors has also led to concerns about the privatization of public health services.
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