The government is sincerely working towards achieving the goal of providing tap water, toilets and electricity to every household: Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the event organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to celebrate the Swachh Bharat Diwas in New Delhi yesterday. She presented Swachh Sarvekshan Grameen awards in various categories.
Speaking on the occasion, the President paid tributes to the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi. She said that Gandhiji’s thoughts are eternal. Like truth and non-violence, he also stressed cleanliness. His resolve on cleanliness was aimed to remove social distortion and building a new India. Therefore, celebrating his birthday as ‘Swachh Bharat Diwas’ is a true tribute to him.
The President noted that since the launch of ‘Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin’ in 2014, more than 11 crore toilets have been constructed and about 60 crore people have changed their habit of open defecation. She expressed happiness that through this mission, India has achieved the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal number6, eleven years before the deadline of 2030.
Union Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Shri Giriraj Singh also attended the function. Speaking about the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, he said that more than11 crore toilets have been built and more than 10crore tap water connections provided in rural households under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Union Minister said that India is working towards achieving the goal of Swachh Bharat with Jan BhagidariAndolan. He added that this Jan Andolan for Swachhta should reach each and every nook and corner of the country. Shri Singh said Government is sincerely working towards achieving the goal of providing tap water, toilets and electricity to every household.
Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Shri Sunil Kumar in his address said that public participation is the most important aspect of Jal Jeevan Mission and ODF plus. He said the responsibility of maintaining both these schemes rests with the Gram Panchayats. He said people are ready to pay service charges if they are provided good services rendered by the service provider. He said that panchayats coming forward and engaging the state authorities and gearing up to provide this service to the residents in the best possible manner.
Disclaimer: This is an official press release by PIB.
