Ministry of Jal Shakti Launches Swachh Seva Aankalan Framework
The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, launched the Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) on September 15, 2026, during a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories. The launch was conducted by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil and attended by Minister of State Shri V. Somanna, along with State Ministers of Rural Sanitation, officials, and Mission Directors of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
SSA is an annual, Gram Panchayat-level digital self-assessment framework developed under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 2.0 for assessing and monitoring rural sanitation service delivery. The multi-tier evaluation framework involves Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), and District and State/UT level officials to strengthen sanitation service delivery at the grassroots level.
The framework requires ODF Plus (Model) declared Gram Panchayats, along with their VWSCs and local communities, to assess ODF sustainability status, visual cleanliness, and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) within their jurisdiction. It also includes self-assessment of functionality and Operation & Maintenance status of sanitation and community SLWM assets. The findings are discussed and validated by concerned Gram Sabhas and made available to District and State/UT authorities for review in DWSM/SWSM meetings, enabling identification of service delivery gaps and preparation of improvement plans for corrective action.
This initiative aligns with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, empowering Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas to review their achievements and progress while making focused efforts for improvement in rural sanitation services.