Tue Nov 12 18:58:45 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu’s Village Panchayats to Review ODF Plus Performance at Gram Sabha Meetings

**Chennai, November 13, 2024:** On November 23rd, 12,525 village panchayats (VPs) across Tamil Nadu will hold Gram Sabha meetings to assess their progress in achieving “open defecation free (ODF) plus rising” and “ODF plus – model village” status. These targets, set under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM- Rural), focus on solid and liquid waste management.

Tamil Nadu has already achieved 100% ODF Plus villages. “ODF plus rising” designates villages maintaining their ODF status with effective solid and liquid waste management systems. “ODF plus – model village” designates those meeting visual cleanliness standards, including minimal litter, stagnant wastewater, and plastic waste. These villages also display ODF plus information, education, and communication (IEC) messages.

The meetings will also discuss participation in the Jal Jeevan programme, which aims to provide piped water supply. VPs are expected to contribute 10% of the capital cost for infrastructure projects. Additionally, the meetings will address plans for 50 skill development events and an equal number of placement camps under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalaya Yojana. This initiative, aimed at rural youth aged 15-35, provides demand-driven, placement-linked skill training.

The gram sabhas were originally scheduled for November 1st but were postponed to November 23rd due to Deepavali.

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