About 31 lakh employees to take cleanliness pledge tomorrow

Various public functions are planned to promote PM's 'Clean India' campaign

About 31 lakh central government employees working across the country will take a pledge of cleanliness in various public functions to be organised tomorrow as part of the Narendra Modi administration's 'Clean India' campaign.

In addition, lakhs of state government employees have been asked to be part of this massive drive which will be launched by the Prime Minister here tomorrow.

"It has been decided that on October 2, 'Swachhta Shapath' (cleanliness pledge) will be administered to all in government offices and public functions, cleanliness drive led by senior officers will be undertaken in all government and public offices," Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth said in a communique to secretaries of all departments.

There are about 30.98 lakh central government employees in the country. Each central government department has made plans to administer the oath to its employees.

Home Secretary Anil Goswami will administer the cleanliness pledge to employees of Home Ministry and Personnel Ministry tomorrow in the North Block premises.

The Prime Minister has given a call for 'Swachh Bharat' (Clean India) as a mass movement to realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a clean India by 2019, when the country will celebrate 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.

For a campaign of this nature to be successful, there is a need to create massive public awareness, said Seth in the letter, adding that it is important to involve government and public sector officials at every level.

A variety of activities such as pledge-taking marches, marathons, debates, street plays, music and essay competitions, cleaning drives and other community activities are planned to create awareness about the campaign.