- Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin gave a new identity to livelihood, women of self-help groups took up the responsibility
Birkona Gram Panchayat, located on Raipur National Highway 30, is about 10 kilometers from the district headquarters. Agriculture and trade are the primary livelihoods of the people here. Due to its location on the national highway, the village has a large number of shops, and the waste generated from these had long been a challenge for the Panchayat. Despite the cleanliness within the village, the garbage scattered on the main road affected the overall image of the village.
Efforts to link cleanliness with behavior and livelihoods under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) addressed this problem. The Gram Panchayat attempted to initiate a system of door-to-door and shop waste collection, but initially, no one was willing to take on this task. Social perceptions and hesitation regarding waste collection made implementing the scheme challenging.
In this situation, the District Panchayat organized awareness campaigns and training programs on cleanliness, waste management, and the health benefits of waste collection. Following the training, the villagers’ mindset changed, and women from the village self-help group took the initiative to take on the responsibility of waste collection themselves. Subsequently, waste collection officially began in Gram Panchayat Birkona on May 1, 2024.
Women from self-help groups regularly collect waste from shops located on the main road and are charged 50 rupees per month. The Gram Panchayat provided the group with necessary personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, goggles, and reflective jackets) from the 15th Finance Commission. The women were also trained in safe waste collection and waste management. Initially, working while wearing protective equipment was a new experience for them, but now they use them regularly. This allows them to earn a livelihood safely and respectfully while avoiding the risk of infection.
Since the waste collection system began, the landscape of Gram Panchayat Birkona has changed significantly. The village intersections, roads, schools, Anganwadi centers, and market areas appear cleaner than before. Regular waste collection has reduced the problem of open waste, and the clean environment has also reduced the risk of disease.
According to the Gram Panchayat, improved sanitation has had a positive impact on the health of the villagers. Not only has the likelihood of diseases caused by filth decreased, unnecessary medical expenses are also being saved. Today, in Birkona, sanitation has become not only a responsibility but also a source of employment and respect for the women of self-help groups. The work that was once considered small and insignificant is now being undertaken by women with responsibility and self-respect.
