The 'Swachh Bharat Mission of the Modi government is an "example-setting programme for the world" and a "game-changer" as it altered the way Indian society behaved towards cleanliness, a top official of the UNICEF said.

In an interview to IANS, UNICEF India's Sanitation (WASH) chief Nicolas Osbert showered praise on the programme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his maiden Independence Day address in 2014 from the ramparts of Red Fort.

"Five years ago, I was told that talking about open defection was a taboo here, even with the administration and the people but after Swachh bharat, even the Chief Ministers, District Magistrates propagate open defecation free India," he added.

"Five years of time, considering the size and diversity of the nation, the success of Swachh Bharat Mission is a world record. This is certainly a world record," Osbert emphasised.

He added that he believed that the battle was won, but that India should keep moving forward with the mission and look at other aspects of sanitation to focus on.

(With inputs from IANS)