SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday participated virtually in a high-level meeting convened by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to discuss the launch of the Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) framework and preparations for the upcoming Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign in rural areas.
The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil and attended by senior officials of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Director General Rural Sanitation, J&K, Anoo Malhotra, along with other officers of the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, also participated.
During the meeting, the Union Minister formally launched the Swachh Seva Aankalan framework, an annual digital self-assessment mechanism for Gram Panchayats declared as ODF Plus (Model).
Javid Dar briefed the Union Minister on the preparations being undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir for Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, including activities aimed at enhancing community participation, promoting behavioural change, strengthening waste management practices and ensuring sustainable sanitation outcomes in rural areas.
He said preparations for the campaign had already begun and would involve Panchayati Raj Institutions, rural communities, field functionaries and various departments through innovative and community-based initiatives.
The Union Ministry appreciated the sanitation arrangements implemented during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and described the J&K Yatra sanitation model as a best practice. The framework is being considered for replication in other states and Union Territories, officials said.
The meeting also reviewed measures to strengthen rural sanitation services, improve monitoring systems and ensure sustained sanitation outcomes at the Gram Panchayat level.
According to officials, the Swachh Seva Aankalan framework will assess Gram Panchayats on parameters such as sustainability of ODF status, solid and liquid waste management, implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, visual cleanliness, maintenance of sanitation assets and functionality of community sanitary complexes. The assessment process will be validated through Gram Sabha deliberations to ensure transparency and community participation.
Dar stressed the need for sustained efforts to strengthen sanitation services at the grassroots level and called for close coordination among departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and field functionaries to achieve the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II.
He also assured the Union Minister that Jammu and Kashmir was fully prepared for both the Swachh Seva Aankalan and Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaigns, with comprehensive planning already underway to ensure their successful implementation across the Union Territory.
