Port Blair, Aug 02: To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation, the Government of India launched its flagship programme – Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). The world’s largest behavioural change programme, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), is being implemented in the UT by the Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULBs, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
The aim is to cover the uncovered and left-out beneficiaries for assistance and sanction of Individual Households Latrines (IHHLs). The incentive amount provided under SBM(G) to Below Poverty Line (BPL)/identified APLs households is Rs.12,000 to construct one unit of IHHL. The mission aims to ensure that all rural families have access to safe toilets.
Mr Birsu Baghwar, R/o Village-Bharatpur, Neil Kendra Panchayat, Shaheed Dweep under Prorthrapur Block in the South Andaman district, expresses his happiness, as he is now a proud owner of his toilet. He said earlier his family, including children, had no option but to walk to a field nearby to answer nature’s call. These trips could often have to be made either before sunrise or after sunset to have a modicum of privacy. He felt it was highly unsafe to venture out as there was danger of snake and poisonous insect bites. He exclaims that “Life was one big struggle” during that time. He sincerely expressed his gratitude to the UT Administration for assistance through Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) scheme to construct his toilet.
Mr Birsu Baghwar says, “I am very thankful to the UT Administration and the Directorate of Rural Development for helping me through and sanctioning the assistance of Rs 12000/- for construction of my toilet and also for generating awareness about maintenance of proper hygiene.
Improving the health of rural Indians should also help them save money. Fewer workdays will be lost to illness, and less money will have to be spent on medicines. This mission ensures health, hygiene and dignity of the rural population.
