Taking the vision of Mahatma Gandhi ahead who dreamt of making India ‘Clean’ during Independence era, Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday said that Jharkhand is doing its best to live up to the expectations of the ‘Father of the Nation’ and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi by giving impetus to the ongoing cleanliness mission -- ‘Swacch Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)’ launched on October 2, 2014 through taking up different initiatives here.
“Jharkhand was a State with progress of only 18 percent in the field of cleanliness till 2014 and today with 77 percent progress Jharkhand is at the forefront in the country. On or before October 2, 2018, Jharkhand will become cent percent Open Defecation Free (ODF) State.” The CM was speaking on the occasion of inauguration of ‘Sanitation Cooperation Campaign’ organized under Clean India Mission (Rural) in Project Building.
The Chief Minister said that through engagement of women and relying on her strength and power, the set target can be achieved easily. “Innovative campaigns launched by the State have special significance in achieving the goal and will further be utilized. Resource persons responsible for making blocks ODF should contribute in making the State ODF,” added the CM.
The CM further said that every individual must come to the forefront for spreading awareness about cleanliness and its importance among different sects of the society. He said that to make cleanliness an issue of national priority, there should be coordination between the government and the society as public engagement is necessary in achieving encouraging results. Meanwhile, the CM emphasized on the need of creating a dung bank in the rural areas for promoting cleanliness.
Also, the CM said that cleanliness is a social movement, regardless of ideological differences everyone should come together to bring positive change in the society.
Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Chandra Prakash Chaudhary assured that the department will achieve the goal of making Jharkhand ODF State on or before October 2, 2018. Secretary of Drinking Water and Sanitation Aradhana Patnaik said that cleanliness is synonyms with positive change in an individual’s thinking, behaviour and life.
On this occasion, all 40 blocks that played a vital role in achieving the target of constructing toilets were specifically given information about the further course of action during the special workshop where experts’ guidance was provided to the resource persons to cope up with difficulties.
A consolidated report from January 25 to March 25, 2018 suggests that over 3,20,000 toilets were constructed across the State under the special drive --- ‘Sanitation Resolution Campaign’ which received PM Narendra Modi’s applaud during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’ recently. Furthermore, persons, organizations received a special honour for motivating masses and sensitizing public for constructing toilets.
Deputy Commissioner, Deoghar, Rahul Kumar Sinha was honored for ensuring construction of toilets in huge numbers in his district. BDO Ichagarh of Saraikela, DC Jamtara, DC Simdega, Self Help Groups (SHGs), village organizations, Mukhiyas as well received the honour for doing distinguished work in their respective areas on sanitation frontage.
Cleanliness Campaign Advisor, Government of India Anand Shekhar, Project Director -- Clean India Mission Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Development Commissioners, Block Development Officers and other were present in the programme.