Aafrin Kidwai 
Picture Credit: Official Twitter Handle of Swacch Chandigarh
S22 timelines were recently extended by the Central government due to the pandemic situation. As per guidelines, documentation under SS22 was to be earlier done by January 15, but the deadline has now been extended to February 20.
Similarly, direct observation has been shifted from February to March, starting March 1. As part of this, independent observers will be designated by the Union government to assess different parameters under the Survekshan. Collection of data from direct observation is based on physical observation of the sanitation status in public places by the survey agency. The agency uses maps and simple handheld device/recording formats to record their observations and findings along with photographs/videos, wherever necessary.
Meanwhile, cities have stepped up efforts to raise their rankings through various initiatives. Chandigarh is focusing on capacity building and training through workshops, technical sessions, demonstrations and virtual sessions to all its sanitation staff and workers. All the sanitation workers, formal and informal, were linked with various social security schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Health Card and livelihood schemes via enrollment in Self Help Groups (SHGs), Skill Training under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) in various camps organized simultaneously with the training workshops and sessions.
