Itanagar, Sep 18 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said that at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the cleanliness campaign has evolved into a people’s movement across the country, including in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said that the initiative has grown into a mass movement involving districts and villages across Arunachal Pradesh. Recalling the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014, Khandu urged students to carry the habit of cleanliness from their schools to their homes, villages, workplaces and offices.
The Chief Minister on Thursday joined students, teachers, NCC cadets and officials in a cleanliness drive at Mallo Tarin Government Higher Secondary School in Tanagar, marking the state roll-out of Swachhta Hi Seva 2026, a month-long campaign aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene and civic responsibility across Arunachal Pradesh.
The campaign is being observed under the theme “Swachhta Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, commemorating the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday in a special way by lighting a lamp in their homes or places of worship and praying for his good health and long life, as well as for the continued success of his efforts in the service of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Khandu said cleanliness must not remain confined to school campuses but should become an integral part of everyday life. He highlighted the transformation brought about by the cleanliness movement, particularly in sanitation and hygiene.
Khandu recalled that the Prime Minister had made sanitation and the elimination of open defecation a key part of his first Independence Day address in 2014. He said toilets have since been constructed across villages and households in Arunachal Pradesh through Central and State government initiatives, contributing significantly to improved sanitation and hygiene.
The Chief Minister said the month-long state-wide campaign will feature a series of activities, including around 12 programmes across the state. Among them will be cleanliness-related competitions for school students, including art and speech competitions at the district level, with district champions progressing to the state level.
“These are small things but a very good habit. When the mind is clean, wisdom also works in the right direction,” he said, linking cleanliness and orderliness with discipline and responsible living. He also announced that Seva Aapke Dwar (service at the doorstep) camps would be organised across all districts during the month to connect villagers with government services and facilities available through the State and Central governments.
Khandu encouraged students to use social media and digital platforms constructively, noting that they offer significant opportunities for learning and acquiring knowledge when used in the right direction.
He also highlighted the importance of sports for both physical and mental well-being. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s achievements in sports, he said the state has won more than 1,000 medals at national and international levels over the last decade.
The CM further noted that Arunachali athletes in Wushu and Taekwondo have been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking the first time athletes from the state will represent Arunachal Pradesh at the Asian Games.
The state has also initiated the framework for Mission Olympics through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
–IANS
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