In a ceremony organized by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave away Swachh Bharat Awards. This event marked the third anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission as well as the conclusion of Swachhta Hi Seva fortnight.
There were also some awards given to the winners of essay, film, and painting competitions, organized as part of the Swachh Sankalp se Swachh Siddhi. The award ceremony was intended to be a response to PM’s call on the contribution of Indian citizens to the improvement of sanitation status of the country.
Image Courtesy: The Asian Age
Apart from the awards received by the individuals, there were some other accolades highlighted for the contribution by certain bodies. The local Municipal Corporation received Rashtriya Swachh Bharat Puraskar under the Swachh Iconic Places (SIPs), an initiative of MDWS.
The Prime Minister had also inaugurated a multimedia exhibition put at the venue. It demonstrated various aspects of the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign and Swachh Bharat Mission’s progress.
Image Courtesy: New Kerala
The event also marked the presence of Union Minister Sushri Uma Bharti who shared the information that more than 254,000 villages, 214 districts, and 6 states were declared open defecation free (ODF) in rural India. Besides, Minister of State, MDWS, Shri SS Ahluwalia revealed that sanitation coverage in rural India had risen to 69% and that the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin is likely to achieve the goal for ODF India by 2019.
During the event, PM Modi emphasized on people’s participation to create a Swachh Bharat and that it can be only realized when 125 Crore Indians come together. He also congratulated the youngsters who too active participation in Swachh Sankalp se Swachh Siddhi competitions.
Overall, the Swachh Bharat Awards commemorated the spirit of a clean India and all those who showed an active participation in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan were appreciated and encouraged.
