Why Swachh Bharat Mission has failed to realise its objectives in true sense?

Swachh Bharat mission was a flagship programme of the government which aimed to make country open defecation free by 2019 as a tribute to the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The critics blame that the very structural framework of the programme was flawed; hence the mission would not be able to achieve to achieve its objectives in true sense.

What the Swachh Bharat mission has ignored?

• The Swachh Bharat mission does not address the need of reworking of the underground sewerage system. As a result many labourers have died while cleaning jammed manholes that open into the sewerage system.
• Lack of punitive measures that would nudge public to learn where and how one should urinate, defecate and dispose of garbage. As a result there is a lack of credible deterrence mechanism to ensure that there is a Public led movement rather than a contractor led one.
• Toilets are not viewed as essential parts of buildings and public architecture in India. The Delhi Metro did not include toilets in all the stations in its original plan. It was forced to do after the verdict by the Delhi High Court.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission doesn’t recognise the caste stigma associated with the waste management. Often those working in the arena of waste disposal belong to lower castes. Any tangible achievement of a clean India is possible only if the stigma attached to sanitary labour, place and waste are critically addressed by caste-neutralising these professions.

Swachh Bharat Mission has made a beginning. India needs to build upon the outcomes addressing the shortfalls to achieve the cleanliness and hygiene in true sense.