IT News
Imphal, Sept 17:
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign in Manipur today, marking a renewed push for cleanliness and civic responsibility in the state. The event, held at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, was organized by the Department of Municipal Administration, Housing, and Urban Development (MAHUD). The campaign is part of the broader national effort to improve sanitation, public health, and community engagement through the Swachh Bharat initiative, first introduced in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his address, Chief Minister Biren Singh emphasized that the inspiration for this campaign comes from the people’s collective desire for a dignified life in a cleaner and stronger India, starting with Manipur. He expressed optimism that by consistently renewing the Swachh Bharat Campaign with fresh goals and public participation, the country and the state could achieve new heights of development.
Chief Minister Singh outlined the key components of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024, which includes five major categories: Cleanliness Target Units (or Black Spot identification), Public Participation and Awareness, Preventive Health Checkups and Social Security for sanitation workers, Voluntary Cleanliness Drives (Shramdaan), and the celebration of Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024. He emphasized that the success of the campaign relies on public involvement, urging citizens to actively participate in cleaning their surroundings, particularly focusing on sites that require regular upkeep.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to support sanitation workers by providing free health checkups and protective equipment, ensuring their safety and well-being as they play a vital role in maintaining public hygiene. He stressed the need for all citizens, regardless of their differences, to unite in the common cause of keeping the state and the country clean, treating cleanliness as a shared responsibility.
In a related announcement, Biren Singh appreciated the Ministry of Home Affairs for its initiative to make essential commodities available at reasonable prices in Manipur.
Starting today, Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars—previously accessible only to security personnel—will now serve the general public as well. Sixteen new Bhandars are being established across the state, in addition to the existing 21, offering much-needed relief in a state where essential supplies have been a pressing concern amidst the ongoing crisis.
MAHUD Commissioner M. Joy also addressed the gathering, noting that the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign has been launched nationwide, including in Manipur. He reaffirmed that the campaign, with the theme “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata” (Cleanliness is Nature, Cleanliness is Culture), aims to instill cleanliness as a core value. Joy emphasized that success depends on the voluntary and collective efforts of people from all communities, with a particular focus on both the valley and hill districts of Manipur.
The launch was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior officials from the MAHUD Department. With this campaign, Manipur takes a significant step toward fostering a cleaner environment, contributing to both local and national goals of sustainable development and public health improvement.
