Schools, panchayat bhavans, anganwadis and even toilets at Dumka district will be covered with bright colourful paintings under ‘Rang Bharein Dumka Mein’ campaign of the district administration.
Inspired by the Government of India’s ‘Swachcha Sundar Shauchalaya’ competition to motivate rural households into keeping their toilets clean and beautiful, the Dumka district administration decided to take a step ahead and paint the other buildings as well.
Deputy development commissioner (DDC) of the district, Varun Ranjan informed that the ‘Swachcha Sundar Shauchalaya’ is a competition organised by the Centre under Swachha Bharat Mission between January 1 to 31, to promote sustainability of open defecation free (ODF) status and ensure that people continue using toilets.
“Taking the idea on a broader path we have decided to paint the buildings as well. This will help us be a part of the Centre’s competition along with making our town look beautiful,” he said.
Under this campaign, government buildings including anganwadi, schools, panchayat buildings, wall on public places, construction under MNREGA and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY) and also the individual houses will be painted.
The funds for painting government buildings and public places will be utilized from 14th finance commission and various department funds.
“The funds are being raised on convergence basis. For instance funds of education department for painting and maintenance of the schools can be for school buildings, similarly the funds of women and child development department can be used for painting anganwadi centres,” Ranjan said.
However, the cost of painting individual houses will be borne by the individuals. “This should not be much of a problem because painting the walls of one’s home is a part of the tribal culture and people would like the idea of colourful painting,” the DDC said.
The aim behind implementing this campaign is to make the town look alive and welcome the onset of spring. “Colours represent prosperity, happiness and excitement. If our town is colourful, the people will be more enthusiastic and happy,” Ranjan said.
Promoting tourism in the district is also a major reason behind launching this campaign. “Tourists are visiting Masanjore in this season. Also, during monsoon there will be a huge footfall at Basukinath. If the town looks colourful and clean, tourists would be attracted to visit here and would thus lead to an increase in the income of local people through various aspects of tourism,” DDC said.
The locals are taking up the campaign enthusiastically. Urmila Devi, a resident said, “I have already started painting the walls of my house and now my house looks more welcoming. If this is done across the district then the entire town will look so beautiful.”