Transformative Rural Missions
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Grameen and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have revolutionized rural health and sanitation.
SBM, launched in 2014, made India Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2019, 11 years ahead of the UN's SDG 6.2 target.
SBM has prevented over 300,000 diarrhoeal deaths (2014–2019) and reduced child wasting rates in non-ODF areas.
The Jal Jeevan Mission (2019) aims to provide clean drinking water through tap connections, reducing infant deaths and saving 5.5 crore hours daily for women.
Impact on Health and Economy
Improved sanitation reduces groundwater contamination and enhances long-term health resilience.
WHO and research by Dr. Michael Kremer show safe water can prevent 400,000 diarrhoeal deaths annually and reduce child mortality significantly.
Access to clean water boosts women's participation in agriculture and reduces out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Women’s Empowerment and Community Participation
Over 2.48 million women are trained as water quality testers and sanitation entrepreneurs.
Women-led Self-Help Groups manage sanitation assets, recycling centers, and produce sanitary napkins.
Initiatives like Sujal and Swachh Gaon integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene at the village level, fostering community ownership.
Global Relevance and Sustainable Development
India’s model emphasizes inter-ministerial collaboration across health, water, sanitation, and rural development.
Innovations like real-time dashboards, GOBARdhan biogas plants, and plastic waste management set global benchmarks.
Every rupee invested in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) yields returns in health, productivity, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.
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