Government staff to take cleanliness pledge on Gandhi Jayanti -- NEWS
For the first time in the history of India, Gandhi Jayanti will not be a holiday for government staff who will have to report to work to take the 'Swachch Shapath'.
Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, on September 20, directed all central government secretaries to ensure that every employee takes the pledge on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The text of the pledge will soon be sent to all the departments.
Besides this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken several steps to implement one of the biggest public campaigns for cleanliness. The minutes of meeting between Modi and 20 secretaries reveals that a new law may be enforced to ensure cleanliness. The prime minister has asked the law linistry to amend existing laws or to analyse whether a new Act is required to act against those who litter.
The prime minister also directed the Finance Ministry to explore a taxation policy to keep a check on those who pollute.
According to the minutes of meetings, Modi was of the opinion that dairies and cattle are major sources of garbage and pollution in urban areas and towns.
Hence, he directed the animal husbandry department to consider setting up of cattle hostels. The prime minister asked his sub-ordinates to engage Bollywood celebrities in a big way to campaign for his 'Swachch Bharat' mission.
Famous poets and singers should also be a part of the nationwide campaign that will begin on September 25, the prime minister said.
A marathon will be organised by the sports ministry to create awareness about the cleanliness drive in every city with a population of over one lakh.
The Prime Minister further suggested the Department of School and Education to ensure questions on cleanliness in examinations.
Meanwhile, prime minister Modi noted that he had undertaken plans to cleanse the political system and the administration machinery. "Now is the time to cleanse the nation. I want each one of you to contribute in every possible way. It is our vision to present a clean India to the outside world," he asserted.
Coming down heavily on the banking system, Modi wondered whether the banks served the purpose they were set up for. "We need inclusive growth. Our Jan Dhan sceheme will help us achieve it," he said.
SOURCE : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Government employees have to be present in office on October 2 to take cleanliness pledge
All government employees will have to be present in office on October 2, Gandhi Jayanthi, the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 'clean India' campaign, and take the cleanliness pledge, a directive issued by the Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth on Wednesday said. The employees will be administered 'Swachhata Shapath' (pledge of cleanliness) in government offices, public functions and events on October 2, the directive said. The cleanliness drives led by senior officials will be undertaken in all government and public offices, it said.
The Centre had earlier declared October 2 ( Mahatma Gandhi's birthday) as compulsory holiday. The Prime Minister will on October 2 launch 'clean India' campaign, aimed at cleaning the country. There will be a special cleanliness drive in government offices from Thursday till October 2 to get rid of clutter, garbage and weed out old and unwanted things from government office premises, the directive said.
Modi had on August 15 announced the launch of the campaign.
"I come from a poor family, I have seen poverty. The poor need respect and it begins with cleanliness. I, therefore, have to launch a 'clean India' campaign from October 2 this year and carry it forward in four years," Modi had said in his speech on Independence Day from the Red Fort. The Cabinet Secretary had earlier also written to secretaries of central government departments pressing the need for clean working spaces.
"There are certain offices where construction material is lying for years. In some office premises, unused or junked vehicles are also parked. The departments have already been asked to make sure that no clutter, unused vehicles, rubbles or building material are lying in the office premises," a Personnel Ministry official said. There may be surprise inspections to ensure the effectiveness of cleanliness drive, he said.
Senior officials have sprung into action and instructed their concerned supervisors to ensure that the office premises are clean.
