Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, presided over the “Swachhta Hi Seva” event held today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was, organized in collaboration with Sulabh International, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and MSDE, marked the release of a special newsletter dedicated to advancing the cause of cleanliness and behavioral transformation across India.
This fortnight-long initiative is a significant step towards realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Swachh Bharat, with a comprehensive nationwide series of cleanliness drives, awareness activities, and public engagements.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary interacted with the students from various colleges present on the occasion and motivated them to participate and contribute to the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign. He said, “Swachhata transcends mere physical cleanliness. It represents a deeper, intrinsic value of sanitation that must be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’ underpins this initiative, driving home the importance of ingrained behavioral change. We are committed to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of Swachh Bharat by collaborating with partner organizations to instill a sense of responsibility towards cleanliness, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable India for future generations.”
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, praised Sulabh International for its tireless contributions to sanitation and highlighted the crucial need for continued collaboration between MSDE and Sulabh to further amplify the message of hygiene and environmental sustainability.
In line with this mission, MSDE is at the forefront of fostering skill development in the sanitation and waste management sectors. The ministry has curated a range of job roles such as waste picker, recycling specialist, facilities manager, and refuse collector, all of which play a pivotal role in maintaining a clean and green India. Through its Green Jobs Sector Skill Council (SSC), MSDE remains dedicated to supporting industries with a skilled workforce aimed at building a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Senior officials of MSDE, including Shri Nilambuj Sharan, Senior Economic Adviser; Ms. Trishaljit Sethi, Additional Secretary and Director General (Training), MSDE; and Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, MSDE, also graced the occasion, offering their insights on the transformative potential of the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign.
Kumar Dilip, President of Sulabh International, echoed the campaign’s transformative potential, stating, “The ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata’ campaign serves as an inspiration for all of us. It is a tribute to the vision of our Prime Minister and honors the legacy of Sulabh Movement Founder, the late Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak. Through this initiative, we will strive to make a meaningful impact towards a cleaner, healthier India.”
“Sulabh International, a long-standing pioneer in sanitation, plans to extend the Swachhta Hi Seva 2024 campaign to over 260 locations during the Swachhata Pakhwara. The theme, “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata,” emphasizes embedding cleanliness into daily habits, fostering a lasting behavioral shift towards sanitation,” he further added.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing students’ artwork on cleanliness and waste of wealth and small street plays were also presented from various Delhi University colleges, curated by the Sulabh Sanitation Club. The artwork reflected creative and innovative interpretations of hygiene, reinforcing the campaign’s message of cleanliness and its importance in public consciousness.
The Swachhta Hi Seva campaign, which commenced on September 17, will conclude on October 2, 2024, in celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring vision of a clean India.
