Himachal Pradesh Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puraskar (state Sanitation Reward Scheme)

Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puraskar (MVSSP) - Himachal Pradesh

The Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puraskar (MVSSP) is an initiative launched by the Government of Himachal Pradesh under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). This scheme aims to identify and honor the cleanest Gram Panchayats across various administrative levels, including blocks, districts, divisions, and the state. By fostering a competitive spirit, the MVSSP encourages rural communities to achieve and maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene, thereby contributing to a healthier environment.

Overview of the Scheme

The MVSSP serves as an annual competition designed to recognize Gram Panchayats that excel in maintaining cleanliness. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle sanitation issues in rural areas by motivating communities to eliminate open defecation practices and adopt safe sanitation solutions. The evaluation process considers several critical aspects, including:

• Waste management practices
• Sanitation infrastructure
• Community engagement and participation

Winners at the state and divisional levels are awarded during the Independence Day celebrations by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, while district and block-level winners receive recognition from notable dignitaries. This recognition incentivizes Gram Panchayats to uphold their cleanliness efforts and strive for continuous improvement in sanitation standards.

Benefits of the Scheme

Eligibility Criteria

• Open Defecation-Free Status: Gram Panchayats must achieve Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status, indicating the successful elimination of open defecation through adequate toilet facilities for all households.
• Previous Level Winners: Gram Panchayats that have won an award at a specific level cannot participate at the same level for the next three years, although they may compete at higher levels.
• State-Level Winner: A Gram Panchayat that has won the state-level award is ineligible to compete in the MVSSP for three years following their victory.

Exclusions

• Non-ODF Gram Panchayats: Only Gram Panchayats that have achieved ODF status are eligible to participate in the MVSSP competition.
• Previous Level Winners: Gram Panchayats that have secured a win at any level are barred from competing at that level again for three years. However, they can enter competitions at higher levels.
• State-Level Winner: The Gram Panchayat that wins the state-level distinction cannot re-enter the MVSSP competition for three years after their win.

Application Process

The application for the MVSSP must be submitted through an offline process, adhering to the following steps:

1. Gram Panchayat Resolution: The Gram Panchayat must pass a resolution indicating their intent to participate in the MVSSP.
2. Submission of Application Form: The Gram Panchayat should complete the application form provided by the MVSSP and submit it to the Block Development Officer (BDO) by April 23rd each year. The form must be endorsed by the Gram Panchayat head and three additional members.
3. Review by Block Development Officer: The BDO will examine the submitted applications for completeness and eligibility.
4. Referral to District Rural Development Agency: Following review, the BDO will forward the applications to the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) for further processing.
5. Evaluation and Selection: Assessment Committees at various levels (block, district, division, and state) will evaluate eligible Gram Panchayats based on established criteria and select the cleanest Gram Panchayats for recognition.

Through the Maharishi Valmiki Sampoorn Swachata Puraskar, the Himachal Pradesh Government aims to instill a culture of cleanliness and sanitation within rural communities, contributing to overall public health and environmental sustainability.