Govt Increases Financial Support for Rural Waste and Greywater Management

The Government of India has enhanced financial support under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM-G] Phase II to strengthen solid and liquid waste management in villages. As per operational guidelines, rural areas must be equipped with compost pits, waste segregation sheds, and collection vehicles to ensure effective biodegradable waste management.

For community-level assets, financial assistance of up to ₹60 per capita is provided to villages with populations up to 5,000, and ₹45 per capita for those with larger populations. Additionally, significant financial support has been announced for greywater management: up to ₹280 per capita for villages with less than 5,000 population and up to ₹660 per capita for those above 5,000. Each village is entitled to a minimum allocation of ₹1 lakh for constructing essential waste management infrastructure.

Funding is available from SBM-G, 15th Finance Commission grants, MGNREGS, CSR contributions, state government schemes, and local revenue. Labour costs are also covered under SBM-G norms, with flexibility for states to use other schemes if costs exceed prescribed limits. Consolidated central funds are released to states and union territories, which can utilize them for compost pits, soak pits, and greywater management based on approved action plans.

To promote sanitation and behaviour change, large-scale awareness campaigns are being organized nationwide. The annual “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, held from 17th September to 2nd October, saw record participation of 30.91 crore people in 2024, including celebrity involvement from leaders like the late Shri Ratan Tata and Bill Gates. MyGov has also launched contests such as the 7-Day Swachhata Challenge, Reel Contests, Photography Competitions, and Essay Writing Initiatives to engage citizens and spread awareness about SBM-G Phase II.

Through these efforts, the government aims to achieve long-term sustainability in rural sanitation, ensure community participation, and advance India’s journey towards an ODF Plus nation.