Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that “Swachhta” (cleanliness) is a state of mind and that the countrywide "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan", inspired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is meant to develop the habit of cleanliness both within and outside. He said, clean body, clean mind and clean surroundings are imperative for a society to progress.Addressing a "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" programme organized by "All India Journalists Welfare Association" at India Gate here today on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that in his very first Independence Day address as Prime Minister from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15, 2014, Shri Narendra Modi had made a fervent call for launch of cleanliness drive beginning with the construction of female toilets across the country. Many who heard his address that day were quite amused to hear a Prime Minister talking about toilets from the ramparts of Red Fort. But, two years later today, the results of the Prime Minister’s sincere call have inspired every section of society in every nook and corner of the country to take up cleanliness drive as a national mission.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, this is no small achievement that within a short period of time, on the appeal of the Prime Minister, over 4 lakh toilets have been constructed in the girls’ schools across the country. Citing his personal example, he said, he was himself inspired to initiate a project of 1,200 Sulabh toilets in the villages along the International Border (IB) in district Kathua of his constituency and over 100 toilets are already complete by now. In addition, he said, an ODF (Open Defecation Free) campaign is also being launched from district Kathua, beginning with four villages in the first phase.Hailing the presence of large number of school children in today’s programme, Dr Jitendra Singh said, these young children can be true messengers and sincere ambassadors of any social campaign because their minds are still unpolluted and uncorrupted. He urged upon the children to go home and share with their parents and elders about the merits of cleanliness learnt by them.On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh presented awards to some of the distinguished citizens and organizations for their commendable contribution to Swachhta mission. Earlier, a marathon was also flagged off on the theme “Walk for Clean India”.