PM reviews progress of 'Swachh Bharat Mission'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission at a high-level meeting of top officials of the ministries of urban development amd drinking water supply and sanitation, as also the NITI Aayog and the PMO.

"Modi was briefed on the progress towards toilet construction in all states," said an official in a statement.

"After comprehensively reviewing the situation, the prime minister directed concerned officers to specially coordinate with states which are lagging in toilet construction," the statement read.

Minister for urban development Venkaiah Naidu, and minister for rural development Chaudhary Birender Singh were also present in the meeting.

It further said that Modi after reviewing the Namaami Gange programme directed that construction of toilets in habitations on the banks of the river Ganga should receive the "highest priority."

Reviewing efforts at generating awareness and attitudinal change towards cleanliness, the prime minister said spiritual leaders should be associated with such efforts, especially during major congregational events such as the Jagannath Yatra and the Kumbh Mela.

Motivational incentives such as awards should also be instituted through official channels, said Modi while suggesting quiz competitions among students to promote awareness.

He also called for leveraging the huge interest that "Swachh Bharat" has generated among the Indian diaspora.