Mahatma Gandhi had rightly said, “Sanitation is more important than Independence”. He was aware of the pathetic situation of Indian rural people at that time and he dreamt of a clean India where he emphasised on cleanliness and sanitation as an integral part of living. Unfortunately, after 67 years of independence, we have only about 30% of the rural households with access to toilets. President Pranab Mukherjee, in his address to Parliament in June 2014, said, “For ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation a “Swachh Bharat Mission” will be launched. This will be our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in the year 2019”.First Cleanliness Drive Started on 25 September 2014A cleanliness drive, just before the formal launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, was carried out from 25 September till 23 October by all offices up to panchayat level. As a part of the awareness campaign, the Delhi Government also covered more than eight lakh ration card holders by sending sms to their mobile numbers.Swachh Bharat Launched on 2 October 2014The Narendra Modi Government launched the “Swachh Bharat” movement to solve the sanitation problem and waste management in India by ensuring hygiene across the country. Emphasising on “Clean India” in his 2014 Independence day speech, PM Modi said that this movement is associated with the economic activity of the country. The prime objective of the mission is to create sanitation facilities for all. It aims to provide every rural family with a toilet by 2019..
Swachhta Pledge
Mahatma Gandhi dreamt of an India which was not only free but also clean and developed.
Mahatma Gandhi secured freedom for mother India.
Now it is our duty to serve mother India by keeping the country neat and clean.
- I take this pledge that I will remain committed towards cleanliness and devote time for this.
- I will devote 100 hours per year that is two hours per week to voluntary work for cleanliness.
- I will neither litter nor let others litter.
- I will initiate the quest for cleanliness with myself, my family, my locality, my village and my work place.
- I believe that the countries of the world that appear clean are so because their citizens do not indulge in littering nor do they allow it to happen.
- With this firm belief, I will propagate the message of Swachh Bharat Mission in villages and towns.
- I will encourage 100 other persons to take this pledge which I am taking today.
- I will endeavor to make them devote their 100 hours for cleanliness.
- I am confident that every step I take towards cleanliness will help in making my country clean.
Objective of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
ASTEC’s Initiative on Cleanliness Drive in Bigyan Bhawan
Swacch Bharat Abhiyan is a platform where all of us have a chance to participate. Jointly we can all really do wonders without any additional help or investment. We can be sure that if we embrace the concept of Swachhta - Cleanliness will soon become a daily norm and we all will be able to contribute in every way to make India a Cleaner, Greener & Beautiful place to live in.
ASTEC along with the ENVIS Centre-Assam has also carried out a cleanliness drive in Bigyan Bhawan premises. From 20th October 2014 to 27th October 2014 all the officers and staff of ASTEC and ENVIS Centre took active participation in clearing the clutters from the office premises. Various useless and old office stationaries as well as discarded articles were disposed in a scientific manner.
Photographs on ASTEC & ENVIS Centre-Assam's innitiative on Cleanliness Drive
Let’s make Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a success
The PM has rightly asserted that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan should be a combined effort of both the Government as well as the people. We hope that the Swachh Bharat Mission does not become another Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan started by the previous Government in 1999 with the same mission but was not a success.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan should not be a mere re-branding exercise. There is no doubt about the fact that change begins at home. Every citizen of the country should be clean and have hygiene and think of progress rather than waiting for the Government to make this plan successful. Let us also hope that we can change the minds of the people and focus on the real issues and not just constructing toilets.
Let us all pledge to make this mission a success…
Swachhta Pledge in English
Swachhta Pledge in Hindi
Swachhta Pledge in Assamese
Assam Baseline Survey on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Sources:
http://pibaccreditation.nic.in/
http://www.narendramodi.in/pm-launches-swachh-bharat-abhiyaan/
http://india.gov.in/spotlight/swachh-bharat-abhiyaan-ek-kadam-swachhata-ki-ore
https://swachhbharat.mygov.in/