India’s Villages Move to ODF Plus Status — But Gaps Remain
A new update from the Ministry of Jal Shakti shows that India has made significant progress under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II.
As of 13 August 2025, over 5.66 lakh villages have been declared ODF Plus (Open Defecation Free Plus) — meaning they not only sustain toilet usage but also manage solid and liquid waste.
ODF Plus categories:
- Aspiring: Solid or liquid waste managed
- Rising: Both solid and liquid waste managed
- Model: Both waste types managed + clean surroundings + IEC awareness
While states like Uttar Pradesh (94,636 villages), Madhya Pradesh (50,772), and Bihar (35,011) show scale, smaller states like Goa (368) and Sikkim (400) stand out for near-complete ODF Plus coverage.
But not all villages have reached the Model stage yet — most remain in the “Aspiring” or “Rising” categories, showing the road ahead for sustained cleanliness.
Table: Top States by ODF Plus Villages (as of Aug 2025)
| State/UT | Total Villages | ODF Plus Villages |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 96,174 | 94,636 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 51,043 | 50,772 |
| Bihar | 37,138 | 35,011 |
| Maharashtra | 40,247 | 38,300 |
| West Bengal | 38,343 | 37,178 |
| Rajasthan | 43,463 | 42,781 |
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti, PIB Release (18 August 2025)
