Rajya Sabha: 'Swachh Bharat Mission saved the lives of three lakh children', Jal shakti minister Patil gave information in Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha: Jal shakti minister CR Patil told the rajya sabha on monday that 12 crore toilets have been built so far under the Swachh Bharat Mission, which has benefited 60 crore people and saved the lives of 3 lakh children. He said that the safety of women has also increased due to the ODF policy. According to the report of the World health Organization (WHO), the steps taken under the government's Swachh Bharat Mission have saved the lives of three lakh children in the country. Jal shakti minister CR Patil gave this information in the rajya sabha on Monday.
The minister said that under the government's Open Defecation Free (ODF) policy, about 12 crore toilets have been built across the country and so far 60 crore people have benefited from this scheme. During the Question Hour in rajya sabha, the Jal shakti minister said that the scheme has not only ensured cleanliness but also increased the safety of women, as now women do not have to wait till evening to defecate in the open.
He said, ten crore toilets were built in the first five years. Two crore more toilets were constructed in the second phase. A total of 12 crore toilets have been built so far. A total of 60 crore people have benefited from this scheme. Patil also said that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and ODF policy is a continuous process and the Center is working closely with the state governments to take it forward. In his written reply, the minister said that in Himachal Pradesh, 16,125 villages have declared themselves ODF-Plus as of february 6, 2025.
The minister said, cleanliness is a state subject. The ministry provides financial and technical help to the states for drinking water and sanitation. The second phase of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) started in 2020-21 and will run till 2025-26, in which villages will be converted from ODF to ODF Plus.
He also said that the construction of toilets is a continuous process, as toilets are required for new houses and migrating families. He informed that construction of private toilets will continue as a priority under the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) and states have been advised to make continuous planning to bridge this gap of toilets.
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