nationwide cleanliness drive will take place on October 1, as announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. In preparation for Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, the prime minister has made a unique appeal to fellow citizens.
In the 105th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Modi urged all citizens to participate in “one hour of shramdaan for swachhata” collectively at 10 am on October 1. This effort will serve as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his jayanti.
The ministry’s statement highlights that this massive cleanliness initiative encourages people from all walks of life to engage in actual cleaning activities in public places such as market spaces, railway tracks, water bodies, tourist destinations, religious sites, and more. Various towns, gram panchayats, government sectors (including civil aviation, railways, information technology, and others), and public institutions will facilitate cleanliness events led by citizens.
The initiative is open to NGOs, resident welfare associations, and private organizations interested in organizing cleanliness events. They can apply online through the portals of urban local bodies or district administrations.
This mega cleanliness drive is part of the “Swachhata Pakhwada – Swachhata Hi Seva-2023,” observed from September 15 to October 2.