Southern states lead in awareness campaign under Swachh Bharat mission in urban areas. According to the urban development ministry Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Andhra Pradesh are in the forefront of generating awareness about Swachh Bharat mission.

Of the 15 states and union territories that have undertaken awareness campaign in urban areas at the behest of the union ministry of urban development, these six states have emerged as lead performers.

Under the awareness generation campaign launched, 1,129 urban local bodies from 15 States and UTs have organized quiz contests to sensitize students about the Swachh Bharat mission in urban areas and also the need for cleanliness, during the last week. Total prize money of Rs.54.95 lakh has been distributed for the winners of the quiz competition.

The competition saw participation of 3,53,788 students from 14,141 schools and colleges. Karnataka led the campaign with a good participation of 96,524 students in the competition followed by Delhi(47,000), Tamil Nadu (45,650), Madhya Pradesh (45,302), Goa (35,000) and Andhra Pradesh (30,871).

The next round of competition will be held in the first week of August, 2015.

Awareness generation in urban areas is a priority area under the implementation of Swachh Bharat mission with a total cost of Rs.66,009 cr, out of which Rs.1,800 cr has been earmarked for IEC (information, education and communication) activities. The ministry has so far released Rs.160 crore to states and UTs.

A key strategy under the mission is behavior change communication to ensure that sanitation as an issue is mainstreamed. It should cover issues of open defecation, prevention of manual scavenging, hygiene practices, proper use and maintenance of toilet facilities (household, community or otherwise). It should touch related health and environmental consequences.

 A total of 15% of the total central allocation will be earmarked for this component. Of this, 12% will be earmarked for States to undertake massive public awareness campaigns on sanitation and establishing its link to public health, hygiene and the environment through various means including - radio, social media, documentaries, plays, workshops, etc. The remaining 3% will be earmarked for the urban development ministry to draw a national media campaign and developing standard campaign tools for effective awareness and communication on sanitation.

Under the mission the states have been told to prepare an annual action plan with details of state funding commitment, for public awareness & IEC.

States will contribute a minimum of 25% funds towards IEC & public awareness to match 75% Central Share (10% in the case of North East States and special category states) in each annual plan.

Mission details: https://swachhbharaturban.gov.in/ISNAHome.aspx

https://swachhbharaturban.gov.in/writereaddata/SBM_Guideline.pdf