The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, convened a meeting with representatives from 22 States and Union Territories to review the findings of Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2024 and discuss the strategic planning for the upcoming Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) 2025-26, which begins in February.

This platform facilitated candid discussions on key recommendations emerging from the SSG findings, ensuring an evidence-based approach to accelerating progress towards Sampoorna Swachhata including enhanced waste management systems.

A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of the WhatsApp version of the SBM Academy, an innovative step towards enhancing accessibility and engagement with training content. The revamped SBM Academy course has undergone a significant overhaul, incorporating interactive elements to make learning more practical, dynamic, and widely available.

With the WhatsApp based model, all users receive reminders for course completion and regular updates in the form of videos, audio clips and images, making the learning process more engaging. This initiative ensures that all users and citizens have the choice to complete their training through:

• IVRS by dialing 1800 1800 404
• WhatsApp by sending a message to 1800 1800 404

Currently available in Hindi and English, the platform allows users to earn a training certificate upon achieving a minimum score of 50 out of 100 marks. Once the course is completed, users can download their certificates in real-time. The SBM Academy also has the potential to become a verified database of trained SBM manpower, strengthening capacity-building efforts.

Speaking about the initiative, Secretary, DDWS, Ashok KK Meena emphasized that the WhatsApp-enabled SBM Academy aligns with the government’s vision to leverage digital platforms for grassroots capacity building. This platform will enable frontline workers, Swachhagrahis, and all users and stakeholders across rural India to access crucial sanitation and hygiene information in a more user-friendly and accessible format.

As the nation observes Martyrs' Day (30th January), the meeting also reflected on the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, who championed sanitation as a fundamental national priority. Marking the occasion, officials reiterated the need for cross-sector collaboration across departments, ministries, and other stakeholders to safeguard rural sanitation gains and advance waste management solutions.

With the AIP process commencing in February, the deliberations have provided a strong foundation for strategic action and policy alignment across all States and UTs. As India moves forward , DDWS remains committed to:

• Strengthening local governance
• Fostering community participation
• Adopting innovative approaches for sustainable sanitation outcomes

The meeting, chaired by Secretary, DDWS was attended by JS & MD, SBMG- DDWS, Principal Secretaries from Kerala and Punjab, and other State Mission Directors and officers.

********

Dhanya Sanal K

Director (M&C)