102120 India Swachh Bharat Mission Support Operation Chair Summary* December 15, 2015 Executive Directors approved an IBRD loan to the Republic of India in the amount of US$1.5 billion for the Swachh Bharat Mission Support Operation (R2015-0223) on the terms and conditions set out in the President’s Memorandum. Directors welcomed the high priority placed by the Government of India on rural sanitation and the operation’s focus on improving sanitation by reducing open defecation in rural areas, and on strengthening the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation’s capacity to manage the national Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin program. Directors appreciated the close collaboration with development partners, and supported the operation’s innovative design and approach which draws on lessons learned from global and regional experiences, and from previous government and Bank programs. Directors highlighted the need to ensure the effectiveness of the Bank-financed Incentive grant as a tool to motivate improved performance noting the challenges of attribution of Bank financing within a larger Government program. Directors emphasized the importance of linking disbursements to measurable results in sanitation outcomes including cultural and behavioral change at the collective level, encouraging private sector participation, sustaining the usage of safe toilets and strengthening country systems and institutions at both state and national levels. Directors supported the focus on improving program governance, including citizen feedback and accountability, grievance redress systems, and monitoring and verification including the social audit mechanism. They encouraged the Bank to pursue and strengthen technical assistance, learning and knowledge sharing, and capacity building activities to ensure successful implementation and development impact of the national program. ___________________________ * This summary is not an approved record.