As part of a pioneering gender inclusion effort, launched at central level the AMRUT Mitra initiative in 2024 under the collaboration of AMRUT 2.0 and DAY-NULM, focusing on engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in urban water and sanitation infrastructure. The initiative, theme being as “Women for Water, Water for Women”, was formally introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on February 7, 2024.

Under this initiative, four cities—Sitapur, Khurja, Raebareli, and Jaunpur—were selected to pilot SHG-led operations and maintenance (O&M) of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs). The state executed 87 projects under the broader AMRUT Mitra initiative, engaging a total of 804 women, out of which 16 women were specifically trained and enrolled for direct Operation and Maintenance responsibilities at FSTPs. Each city’s model includes a Supervisor, two Sanitation Workers, and one Gardener, forming a four women operational team in every city. A dedicated budget of Rs 34 lakh was allocated solely for SHG engagement in FSTPs.