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| A survey by ‘LocalCircles’ finds out on what people feel about Swachch Bharat. |
October 1, 2015, NewsCrunch
PM Modi’s pet project Swachch Bharat is completing one year. The project was Modi’s first major programme announcement.
Though he personally led the campaign, mobilising funds and brand ambassadors, it has left fellow citizens unimpressed, a survey finds.
Swachch Bharat had two objectives - to make toilets available in rural areas and clean up public spaces in cities. In both of these it is the state governments, which call the shots.
Centre can do little more than directing funds and giving nudges. Fatally, the programme was rushed through without giving due thought to improve civic administration.
Municipalities and corporations are in shambles, but they are the main delivery vehicles in Swachch Bharat.
With these continuing to be dismal, Swachch Bharat never stood a chance. It became a photo opportunity for PM and his brand ambassadors.
The Hindustan Times reports on a survey by ‘LocalCircles’ on what people feel about Swachch Bharat. The survey claims to have interviewed over 30,000 people. Here is what it found:
Has your city become cleaner?
Yes – 21%
No - 72%
Can’t say - 7%
Has availability of public toilets improved?
Yes - 12%
No - 77%
Can’t say - 11%
Do you agree municipalities need major upgrade to deliver on smart city?
Yes 94%
No 5%
Can’t say 1%
Should celeb ambassadors become more active and mobilise communities?
Yes - 81%
No - 14%
Can’t say - 5%
Should Swachch Bharat success be linked to smart city funding?
Yes - 87%
No - 9%
Can't say - 4%