Swachh Shehar Jodi

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) initiative in 2025. This programme pairs 72 high-performing mentor cities with around 200 lower-performing mentee cities. It aims to improve urban sanitation and waste management through structured mentorship and collaboration. The initiative is part of India’s ongoing efforts to enhance cleanliness and sustainability in urban areas.

Background and Objectives

Swachh Shehar Jodi is a time-bound mentorship programme designed to promote peer learning. It focuses on sharing best practices in sanitation and waste management. The initiative targets cities based on their Swachh Survekshan rankings. Top-ranked cities act as mentors to guide and support low-ranked cities. This approach encourages practical knowledge transfer and collaborative urban transformation.

Structure and Implementation

The programme involves 72 mentor cities and nearly 200 mentee cities. Each mentor city is paired with one or more mentee cities. The pairs develop joint action plans with clear milestones. The initiative launched a 100-day intensive phase for close cooperation. Nearly 300 Memorandums of About (MoUs) were signed nationwide. These MoUs formalised commitments between cities and their political leaders.

Focus Areas and Activities

Swachh Shehar Jodi emphasises improving sanitation infrastructure and waste management systems. Activities include training, workshops, and field visits. Mentee cities get direct exposure to successful models and practices. The programme promotes innovation in waste segregation, collection, and disposal. It also encourages community participation and behavioural change.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Progress is tracked through predefined milestones in the 100-day phase. The impact will be assessed in the Swachh Survekshan 2026 rankings. This evaluation will measure improvements in sanitation and waste management. The initiative aims for sustainable urban cleanliness and replicable success stories. Continuous feedback and support ensure adaptive learning throughout the programme.

Significance for Urban Development

Swachh Shehar Jodi strengthens city-to-city collaboration in India’s urban governance. It encourages a culture of mutual learning and accountability. The initiative aligns with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission and Sustainable Development Goals. It contributes to healthier urban environments and improved quality of life. The model may serve as a blueprint for other sectors and countries.