Beyond Cleanliness: New Faces of Swachhata

Context

The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign has drawn attention to the contribution of women and transgender persons in sanitation and waste management. Their participation shows that cleanliness programmes are also creating livelihood opportunities and giving marginalised groups a greater role in community activities.

The campaign was launched on 17 September 2026 under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”

Women’s role in cleanliness initiatives

Women are taking part in cleanliness and waste management activities in different parts of the country. Some of these initiatives are also helping women earn a livelihood and take up responsibilities in their communities.

Bhopal: Women leading local initiatives

• In Bhopal, around 250 women brand ambassadors are working with the municipal corporation on cleanliness and waste management. They have also started Bartan Banks in 25 wards.
• The idea behind these banks is simple. Reusable utensils are provided for community functions, which helps reduce the use of disposable plastic items.
• Bhopal also has a 60-member Swachhata Kitty Group. Each member puts ₹100 into the group every month. The money collected is then used for cleanliness-related activities in the community.

Uttarakhand: Bainni Sena

• Another example comes from Uttarakhand, where the Bainni Sena, or “Army of Sisters”, has 570 women working in 57 groups.
• The members regularly check cleanliness in their wards. They speak with local residents, pass on complaints and organise awareness activities. In this way, they also act as a link between residents and municipal authorities.

Shillong: Turning waste into a livelihood

• In Shillong, the Iynnehskhem Self-Help Group collects wet waste from households. The biodegradable material is then used to make compost.
• This work gives the women involved an organised source of livelihood. At the same time, the initiative shows how household waste can be put to use instead of being treated only as something that needs to be thrown away.

Participation of transgender persons

The involvement of transgender persons in sanitation services is another significant part of these initiatives.

Cuttack Example

• In Cuttack, Odisha, transgender persons were brought together through a Self-Help Group. They received training to operate and maintain a Septage Treatment Plant.
• This gave members of the transgender community an opportunity to work in a technical public service. It also helped them gain professional experience and earn a livelihood.

Bhubaneswar and the Swikruti SHG

• The approach was later taken up in other urban local bodies in Odisha.
• In Bhubaneswar, the Swikruti Self-Help Group operates and maintains a 75-KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant at Basuaghai. Before taking up the work, members received technical as well as managerial training.
• Transgender groups have also been involved in operating and maintaining seven cesspool vehicles. Their training includes areas such as health, hygiene, personal protective equipment and safe desludging methods.

Why these efforts are important

These examples show that sanitation programmes have wider social and economic effects.

Women are taking on leadership responsibilities while also earning through sanitation-related activities.

• For transgender persons, participation in formal sanitation services provides access to technical work and public service.
• Waste management also offers livelihood opportunities. Composting and reuse help reduce the amount of waste going for disposal and allow useful materials to be recovered.
• Community involvement is another important part of these programmes. When residents, Self-Help Groups and local authorities take part, maintaining cleanliness becomes a shared responsibility.
• Training and proper safety measures are also important because sanitation work involves health and occupational risks. Better working conditions can improve the dignity and safety of workers.

Challenges that still need attention

There are still problems faced by people working in sanitation and waste management. Health risks, lack of protective equipment, social stigma and unstable employment are some of the concerns.

Waste segregation at the household level also needs improvement. Local governments need adequate financial and technical resources to manage sanitation services. Regular training would also help workers develop the skills needed for their work.

What should be done next?

Successful initiatives involving women and transgender persons should receive support so similar models reach more towns and cities.

Self-Help Groups need access to training, credit, technology, protective equipment and markets. Municipal authorities should also focus on safe working conditions and proper wages for sanitation workers.

Waste segregation, recycling, composting and recovery of useful materials should receive greater attention. These steps would help reduce waste while also supporting livelihood opportunities.

Conclusion

The participation of women and transgender persons shows that Swachhata has a wider meaning than simply keeping streets and public spaces clean. Sanitation initiatives also provide livelihood opportunities and create space for marginalised groups to participate in community and public services.

The examples from Bhopal, Uttarakhand, Shillong, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar show different ways in which people are contributing to sanitation. With continued cooperation between citizens, local authorities, Self-Help Groups and sanitation workers, such initiatives can support both cleaner communities and greater social participation.

Source: PIB

UPSC Practice Question 

(Q) How can community participation in sanitation promote social inclusion and livelihood opportunities for women and transgender persons in India? Discuss.

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