Responding to its top leader Narendra Modi’s nationwide cleanliness campaign, the BJP-ruled Gujarat Government on Thursday announced to make it compulsory for all persons keen to contest panchayat elections to have toilets at their homes.
In order to implement the decision taken by the Gujarat Cabinet, the State Government will make necessary amendments in the Gujarat Panchayat Act -1993. The Anandiben Government has also gone a step ahead and mandated that all existing panchayat members will have to develop toilet facilities at their houses (if it is not there) in six months period. The members who already have toilet facilities are required to get certificate from Tehsil Development Officer (TDO) in the stipulated period of six months.
The State Government spokesman and senior Minister Nitin Patel said that the Gujarat Government would provide the necessary financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the purpose. He asserted that the decision was part of Government of India’s initiative - “Swachchhata Abhiyan” (cleanliness drive).
‘Toilet at every home in Gujarat’ - was the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative when he was Gujarat Chief Minister. His successor and the first woman Chief Minister of the State is wholeheartedly backing the idea mooted by her mentor. Ever since she took over as Chief Minister in May this year, Anandiben is campaigning hard and trying to create awareness for having toilets in every home in Gujarat. She also linked necessity of toilets with woman’s safety and respect apart from cleanliness.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister launched Cleanliness Campaign in the State from Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace Porbander on Thursday.
The state government would celebrate cleanliness drive from October 2 - Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi till October 31 - the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.