The MVSSP is an annual competition under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) aimed at identifying and recognizing the cleanest Gram Panchayats at multiple administrative levels—block, district, division, and state. The scheme is designed to motivate rural communities to eliminate open defecation and adopt safe sanitation practices. Winners at different levels are honored during the Independence Day celebrations by senior state dignitaries, including the Honorable Chief Minister at the state level.
Objectives
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Improve Sanitation:
Encourage Gram Panchayats to transition to open defecation-free status through improved waste management and sanitation infrastructure. -
Motivate Rural Communities:
Foster a competitive environment that rewards exceptional cleanliness and community participation in maintaining sanitation. -
Recognition and Incentives:
Provide financial awards that serve both as recognition and as a catalyst for continuous improvement in rural sanitation.
Benefits
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Block Level:
The winning Gram Panchayat receives a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. -
District Level:
A cash prize of ₹3 lakh is awarded (with two winners possible in districts having more than 300 Gram Panchayats). -
Division Level:
The winning Gram Panchayat is awarded a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. -
State Level:
The top Gram Panchayat is honored with a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
Eligibility
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Open Defecation-Free Status:
Only Gram Panchayats that have achieved an open defecation-free status (verified by relevant certificates or documents) are eligible. -
Previous Winners:
A Gram Panchayat that has won at a particular level is not eligible to compete in that same level for the next three years. However, they may participate at higher levels. -
State-Level Restrictions:
The Gram Panchayat that wins the state-level award is not eligible to participate in the competition for three years following the win.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
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Gram Panchayat Resolution:
The Gram Panchayat must pass a formal resolution expressing their intent to participate in the MVSSP. -
Application Form Submission:
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Fill out the MVSSP application form (available from the official guidelines).
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The form must be attested by the Gram Panchayat head and three other members.
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Submit the completed form to the Block Development Officer (BDO) by April 23 each year.
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Scrutiny and Referral:
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The BDO verifies the completeness and eligibility of the applications.
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Applications are then forwarded to the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) for further processing.
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Evaluation:
Assessment committees at block, district, division, and state levels evaluate the applications based on sanitation infrastructure, waste management practices, and community participation. -
Awarding:
Winners are announced and honored at respective levels during Independence Day celebrations.
Documents Required
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Application Form:
Completed form provided by the MVSSP. -
Gram Panchayat Resolution:
A resolution indicating the Panchayat’s intent to participate. -
Proof of Open Defecation-Free Status:
Certificates or documents verifying that the Gram Panchayat has achieved open defecation-free status. -
Supporting Documents:
Photographs, reports, or testimonials demonstrating sanitation efforts. -
Contact Details:
Details of the Gram Panchayat head and key members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is MVSSP?
It is a state sanitation reward scheme aimed at recognizing the cleanest Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh. -
Who is eligible to participate?
Only those Gram Panchayats that have achieved open defecation-free status can apply. -
Can a Gram Panchayat that has won previously compete again?
A Panchayat that has won at a particular level is not eligible to compete for that same level for the next three years but may compete at a higher level. -
What are the prize amounts?
Block level: ₹1 lakh; District level: ₹3 lakh; Division level: ₹5 lakh; State level: ₹10 lakh. -
How is the evaluation conducted?
A series of assessment committees evaluate sanitation, waste management, and community participation at various administrative levels. -
When and how are winners honored?
Winners are announced during the Independence Day celebrations, with state-level winners receiving awards from the Chief Minister.