The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2 October 2014 to end open defecation and improve sanitation. Under its rural component, Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), eligible rural households can get financial incentive to build an Individual Household Latrine (IHHL).
The incentive
Eligible households get an incentive of Rs 12,000 to build a toilet. The amount is shared between the Centre and the state, generally in the ratio of 60:40, and 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states and Jammu and Kashmir.
Who is eligible
The incentive is meant for rural households that do not have a toilet, mainly:
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) households
- Above Poverty Line households in certain categories, such as SC and ST households, small and marginal farmers, landless labourers with homestead, physically handicapped persons and women headed households
States may have their own lists and rules, so check with your gram panchayat.
How to apply
- Visit the SBM Gramin portal and choose the citizen registration option for IHHL application.
- Register with your mobile number and fill in details such as name, address, Aadhaar and bank account.
- Upload a photo or documents as asked.
- Alternatively, apply through your gram panchayat or block office.
After approval, build the toilet as per the standard design. Officials verify the toilet, often with a geo tagged photo, and the incentive is credited to your bank account.
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Design tips
- Twin pit toilets are recommended in rural areas, as one pit can be used while the other composts safely.
- Keep the toilet at a safe distance from drinking water sources.
- Make sure there is water for flushing and handwashing.
Phase two: ODF Plus
In 2020, SBM-G entered its second phase, called ODF Plus. Besides keeping villages open defecation free, it focuses on solid and liquid waste management, plastic waste, greywater and faecal sludge management. Villages are declared ODF Plus in stages.
Urban areas
In cities, the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban supports household toilets and community and public toilets through urban local bodies.
Bottom line
If your rural household does not have a toilet, contact your gram panchayat or apply on the SBM Gramin portal for the Rs 12,000 incentive.
Source / स्रोत: Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
