PM Modi Celebrates 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission on Gandhi Jayanti

On Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a decade of the Swachh Bharat Mission, delivering a strong critique of past governments for their negligence regarding sanitation issues. Here are the key points from his address:

Modi accused past administrations of ignoring critical sanitation concerns, saying, “Aisa lag raha hai jaise unhone gandagi ko hi zindagi maan lia,” which translates to "It seems they accepted dirtiness as a way of life." He highlighted how citizens were forced to live in unsanitary conditions.

Call to Action

The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to engage in cleanliness activities, tweeting, “I urge you all to also take part in some or the other such activity during the day.” He emphasized the importance of strengthening the Swachh Bharat Mission and participating in the cleanliness movement.

Celebrating 10 Years of Progress

Modi commemorated the 10-year journey of the Swachh Bharat initiative as a significant collective effort to improve sanitation facilities across India. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the mission a success.

Recalling the launch of the mission, Modi noted that he faced skepticism when he called for a cleanliness drive from the Red Fort. Despite being mocked, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause.

Focus on Common People's Needs

He reiterated that the primary responsibility of a Prime Minister is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Modi highlighted the need to address basic sanitation needs, including access to toilets and sanitary pads. Reflecting on the state of sanitation a decade ago, he pointed out that over 60% of the population had to defecate in the open, which he described as a violation of human dignity. This situation particularly affected women and marginalized communities.

Impact on Marginalized Groups

Modi stated that poor sanitation disproportionately harmed Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities. The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to restore dignity by improving access to clean toilets and sanitation facilities.

Improvement in Women's Lives

He noted that one of the critical outcomes of the mission has been the enhancement of women's lives. Access to clean toilets has significantly alleviated the hardships faced by women due to inadequate sanitation facilities.

Also read:'Bapu’s life based on truth and equality is inspiring', PM Modi paid tribute on Rajghat

In conclusion, Modi urged the nation to continue its efforts towards cleanliness, emphasizing the need to uphold the values of the Swachh Bharat Mission for a more hygienic and dignified future for all citizens. He reiterated the importance of sanitation in ensuring respect and dignity for every individual.