Launched in 2014, Swachh Bharat Mission
(SBM-G) is a flagship programme of Government of India. Uttar Pradesh has made
significant progress in SBM. Around 98,807 revenue villages were targeted with
formation of two lakh Nigrani Samities and deployment of 62,000 Swachhagrahis
for making villages open defecation free (ODF). Through collective efforts, the
state achieved 97.62% individual household latrine coverage and 9 districts, 111
blocks, 28,730 GPs and 58,248 villages were declared open defecation free in
September 2018.
With more and more villages and districts across the state becoming free
from open defection, it was important to focus on ODF sustainability (ODF-S).
Sustained toilet usage takes time and needs continuous awareness. A continual
engagement with ODF villages and field level functionaries was required to
enhance the capacity of 62,000 Swachhagrahis and two lakh Nigrani Samities on
social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) to address ODF-S and other
sanitation issues.
The UNICEF funded
project involved development of a training module for ODF (sustainability) for
District Program Coordinators (DPCs) and WASH consultants. It also entailed
conducting training needs assessment to understand their existing knowledge
about SBCC, their previous exposure to training in social communication and
application of SBCC on social health issues and their competence. Based on the training
needs assessment, a three days training module was tested and developed to
enhance the capacity of DPCs, SBM and WASH consultants on SBC and oversee
development of district specific SBCC plans aimed at ODF-sustainable
communities and its implementation.
