National Convention of Swachhagrahis

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the National Convention of Swachhagrahis on April 10 at Motihari in Bihar. The event was organized, as part of the centenary celebrations of the Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi, in Champaran. He also distributed awards to Champion Swachhagrahis. Addressing an enthusiastic gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the atmosphere at Motihari, evoked the same spirit of mass movement, that marked the Champaran Satyagraha, a century ago. He said that in this journey of Satayagraha to Swachhagraha, the people of Bihar have shown their ability to lead. He noted the remarkable progress made in toilet construction in Bihar in the last one week. He appreciated the efforts of the people of the State, and the State Government for the same.

The Prime Minister said that whether it is the Swachh Bharat Mission, or the fight against corruption, or the development of civic amenities, the Union Government is working shoulder to shoulder with the State Government. He said the projects worth over Rs. 6600 crore launched would go a long way in the development of the region and the State. He mentioned the project for the rejuvenation of Motijheel, which he described as a part of the history of Motihari. He mentioned that 11 projects worth more than Rs 3000 crore have been approved so far, to prevent waste water from entering the River Ganga. He said that about 50 lakh women had benefited from LPG connections through the Ujjwala Yojana, in the State of Bihar. In this context, he also mentioned the LPG and petroleum projects launched. He said the projects launched are part of the larger vision of developing Eastern India as a growth engine for India. He also mentioned the road and rail projects launched. He described the Madhepura Electric Locomotive Factory as a prime example of Make in India, and a source of employment in the region. He said the 12000 HP engines, the first of which were rolled out, will help in significantly improving the speeds of goods trains. He said that the work for this project, which was first approved in 2007, began three years ago, and the first phase has already been completed. He said the Government is committed to fulfilling all its missions and resolves, with the help of the people.

Speaking of the achievements in sanitation, the Prime Minister mentioned that sanitation coverage has expanded from about 40 percent in 2014, to about 80 percent. He said toilet construction is ending social imbalances, and becoming a means of socio-economic empowerment and women empowerment. He described the mass movement of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan as a phenomenon unparalleled anywhere in the world, in the 21st century. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the resolve for Swachhta would write a new chapter of a clean and prosperous India.

PIB