Four "P" of Public Policy

India became Open Defecation Free nation on October 2, 2019. In such a situation, it is an appropriate time to analyze how the Swachh Bharat Mission has become the global standard for participation and transformational development. Mahatma Gandhi dreamed of an India where no one has to face insult to defecate in the open. The work done by the country in the field of cleanliness in the last five years is an excellent tribute to Gandhiji. India, which had the highest number of open defecationers, is today leading the world in terms of cleanliness. Prime Minister tries to connect with people at ground level and understand their needs. The cleanliness revolution we are witnessing today is the result of his inspirational leadership. The world recognizes this, and the Goble Goalkeeper Award, given to Narendra Modi during his recent visit to America, reflects his decision to put cleanliness at the heart of India's development agenda.

The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Team has identified four important pillars of India's cleanliness revolution in the last five years which, together, can be applicable for any large-scale change in the world. A compilation of "Swachh Bharat Kranti" essays published by the Department of Drinking Water, Sanitation and Water Resources, has also followed, in a detailed way, the four-P structure, which is a successful journey of implementation of the flagship program.

The first "P" is related to political leadership ie political leadership. It is essentially a game changer for the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, under which the Prime Minister has introduced his personal political skills. Inspired by his leadership and commitment, various Chief Ministers contributed to this campaign, which had a wide impact. Its great influence from the Chief Secretary and Collectors to the grass roots Sarpanchs. About all levels leaders became major catalysts of scale change.

Second "P" is related to public financing i.e. government financing. Generally, no major change is possible without money. A provision of Rs 1 lakh crore was made to ensure everyone's access to sanitation facilities, which gave political support to the political mobilization. Nearly 90% of the 10 crore families to whom the toilets were provided were from socially and economically weaker sections and were provided financial assistance to build and use toilets.

The Third "P" is related  with mass partnership. The SBM-G emphasized partnerships between both the actors and the motivators, including national and international level development agencies, media, civil society, celebrities and all the departments / ministries of the Government of India, in their respective fields. With the cooperation of all, this policy made cleanliness the goal of every person, making this campaign a main part of national consciousness.

The fourth "P" i.e. People's Partnership is related with public participation. The SBM -G trained over five lakhs autonomous, grassroots motivators who accelerated the transformation of the practice in every village in India. Ordinary people played an extraordinary role and inspired others to build and use toilet. Success stories of cleanliness champions came from every nook and corner of the country. Change in scale can actually be successful if it is embedded in people's imagination and thus it can become a mass movement.