The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the first step towards a developed India is to create a clean and hygienic and therefore a healthy India. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating “Swachhta Hi Seva” and “Shouchalayakkagi Samara” (A Crusade For Toilets) Programmes in Konnur Village, Gadag District, Karnataka, today. The Governor of Karnataka, Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, the Minister of State for Drinking Water & Sanitation, Shri Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi, the Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, Shri H.K. Patil and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.The Vice President said that every Indian should become part of this “Jan Andolan” with a missionary zeal so that the goal of a “Clean India” is achieved by 2nd October, 2019 - the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He further said that the dream of the Father of the Nation could be realized through ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’ if everybody from celebrities to common man selflessly participate and take ownership of the programme.
The Vice President said that good sanitation can save Rs.50,000 per year per family, as said by UNICEF, and over 1,00,000 children die every year in India due to diarrhea. He further said that lack of sanitation also contributes to physical and cognitive stunting in children. Besides, women and girls face a serious threat to their safety when they resort to open defecation, he added.The Vice President said that the number of Indians defecating in the open in rural and urban areas is estimated to have reduced to 30 crore, from about 60 crore in 2014. He further said that he was sure ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign will give a big thrust to the momentum of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’.The Vice President said that this campaign aims to mobilise people from across the country, especially government functionaries across all levels, local leaders, youth groups, women, school children, defence personnel, corporate, celebrities, faith organizations and citizens at large to offer shramdaan to construct twin-pit toilets and clean public places like railway stations, bus stands, parks, markets, hospitals, schools etc. He further said that recognizing the need to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of our natural endowments and places of cultural heritage like places of worship, heritage sites and beaches, they are likely to be given a face lift. We should collectively search for innovative solutions that will make a tangible difference to the lives of the people, he added.