Empowering Urban Cleanliness Revolution

The AIILSG Mumbai, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), is spearheading the Training Programme for ‘Swachh Margdarshaks’. This initiative aims to arm ULBs with the knowledge and tools necessary for the effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, focusing on Integrated Solid Waste Management, overcoming challenges, and identifying best practices.

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India (since 2014) aimed at achieving a clean and healthy environment in the country. With the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 in 2021, the government aims to take the mission to the next level and make India a truly Swachh Bharat.

What is Swachh Margdarshak programme?

The Swachh Margdarshak programme is a key capacity building initiative under the National Capacity Building Framework for Garbage free cities. One of the key pillars of SBM 2.0 is the Swachhata Margdarshaks, who will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the program.

Swachhata Margdarshaks are the Sanitary Supervisors/ Sanitary Inspectors/Chief Sanitary Inspectors/Health Supervisors from ULBs who have been co-opted by the government to guide and monitor the implementation of SBM 2.0 (and Swachh Survekshan & allied activities) at the ground level, and in surrounding ULBs through knowledge sharing, capacity building and hands on training. The Margdarshaks will act as a pool of master trainers who can further build capacities of new Margdarshaks in the field of Solid waste management and related sectors.

Roles & Responsibilities

Swachhata Margdarshaks are envisioned to be the key interface, catalyst, and facilitator between MoHUA and the States/ UTs and ULBs for facilitating effective alignment and coordination & implementation for the Mission. Post training under the Margdarshak programme, they will be responsible for supporting the ULBs in monitoring the progress of the SBM program with the learning and cross-learnings, suggesting corrective measures, wherever necessary, and will collaborate with local authorities, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that effective delivery of Swachh Bharat Mission across the country.

To ensure an effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, Swachhata Margdarshak will have the following responsibilities:

• Facilitate the implementation of the program: Swachhata Margdarshak will act as facili-tators to ensure the implementation of the program at the local level.
• Monitor the progress of the program: Swachhata Margdarshak will monitor the progress of the program and suggest corrective measures, wherever necessary.
• Collaborate with States and Urban Local bodies: Swachhata Margdarshak will collaborate with local authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the program.

The intent of these engagement strategies is recognizing the efforts of Swachhata Margdarshaks, so that the mission’s impact can be amplified, and a culture of excellence and innovation can be fostered. It also provides an opportunity for knowledge dissemination, peer learning, and motivation within the Margdarshak community, further strengthening the Swachh Bharat Mission’s objectives.