CM launches State-Level Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign 2024

GANGTOK,(IPR): In a significant step towards promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay officially launched the State-Level Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign 2024 with the theme “Swabhav Swachhata — Sanskar Swachhata” at Chintan Bhawan today.

Organised by the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Rural Development Department (RDD) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Urban Development department, the programme had the presence of cabinet ministers, Lok Sabha MP, advisors, MLAs, zilla adhyakshas, upadhyakshas, zilla panchayats, Mayor and Deputy Mayor (GMC), Councillors, chief secretary, Director General of Police, additional chief secretary, head of departments, District Collectors, ADC (Development), BDOs, MEOs, ULBs, dignitaries, officers and staff of UDD and RDD.

At the onset of the event, the Chief Minister administered the Swachhata Hi Sewa pledge, officially launching the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign.

Addressing the event, the Chief Minister extended warm wishes for Viswakarma Puja and Indrajatra to the people of Sikkim, particularly acknowledging the hardworking 'Chalak' brothers. Conveying birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Sikkim, he congratulated him on the successful 10-year milestone of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan vision and mission, commending its evolution into a global movement. Sikkim's active engagement in the annual Swachhata Hi Seva campaign was emphasised, with a call for widespread citizen participation to promote cleanliness and instil a sense of responsibility for sanitation.

Addressing the impermanent nature of things, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of acknowledging impermanence as a catalyst for natural change. This awareness, he emphasised, is crucial at all levels to realize the vision of Swachh Bharat.

Sikkim's leading role in cleanliness initiatives was acknowledged, with the announcement of cash awards for the best-performing urban bodies in terms of cleanliness, demonstrating the government's commitment to cleanliness.

The Chief Minister stressed the necessity of sustained efforts to realize the Prime Minister's vision, advocating for a targeted approach in specific domains. He also encouraged educational institutions, religious bodies, non-governmental organisations, and self-help groups to focus on overlooked areas and work towards transforming them in line with this year's theme, "Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata."

Emphasising the importance of the Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign, the Chief Minister urged all citizens to integrate it into their daily routines, presenting an opportunity to mobilize tangible action on the ground with the involvement of all stakeholders. The two-week celebration should begin at the household level, ensuring its success at the State level, he suggested. Highlighting the theme of 'Swabhav Swachhata-Sanskar Swachhata,' he proposed a shift in attitudes and cultural perceptions towards sanitation.

The Chief Minister called for Shramdaan on 21st September, urging the identification and cleaning of blackspots in every area. He requested all MLAs, elected representatives, civil society organizations, NGOs, and self-help groups to organize clean-up activities on the said day. Additionally, he suggested taking before and after photographs of the areas being cleaned for upload to social media portals to encourage and motivate each other.

Stressing that cleanliness should begin with individual efforts and advocating for segregation at the individual level, the Chief Minister suggested counselling by MEOs on the benefits of segregation and encouraged the implementation of a 3-bin policy for segregation. He highlighted the need for collective responsibility to ensure the initiative's success and long-term viability.

The Chief Minister emphasised the strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and circulars issued by UDD & RDD, stating that these SOPs has the potential to transform Sikkim into a pristine and aesthetically pleasing state.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced a discretionary grant for Block Development Officers (BDOs) to facilitate the development of Gram Panchayats, as well as cash awards for the best-performing Gram Panchayats in rural areas. Collective efforts were deemed essential for the grand celebrations of Sikkim's 50 years of Statehood, culminating on May 16, 2025, with the Prime Minister of India as the chief guest.

The theme "Hamro Sahabhagita, Hamro Safalta" was highlighted, emphasising the involvement of every citizen to ensure the success of government initiatives.

The Chief Minister congratulated UDD & RDD on the successful launch of the Swachata hi Seva campaign, concluding with a call to embrace the theme of "Sunaulo Sikkim, Samridha Sikkim, Samartha Sikkim" in letter and in spirit, to ensure Sikkim's success in every field.

During his speech, UDD minister Bhoj Raj Rai highlighted the significant progress made under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. The initiative encompasses crucial aspects such as solid waste management, information education, capacity building, toilet construction, and waste water management, all actively pursued by the department.

An important achievement is the introduction of a PET bottle management system in all of Sikkim's markets to effectively deal with plastic waste. Moreover, the department is working on establishing Material Recovery Facilities to further enhance waste management practices, as stated by the minister.

The minister also stressed the active involvement of Urban Local Bodies in promoting cleanliness and emphasised the crucial role of public participation in ensuring the success of these efforts. The department has involved Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in waste management initiatives, providing them with essential funds to support their work and ensure their safety and efficiency.

To recognise outstanding performance, cash awards will be presented to the best-performing Urban Bodies on Gandhi Jayanti, the minister mentioned. He also commended the dedication of Safai Mitras, acknowledging their selfless contributions.

Looking ahead, the department aims to transition to a paperless environment through initiatives such as E-Office and E- Licenses. The minister emphasised the importance of initiating a collective shift in mindset among the populace to achieve lasting cleanliness goals. He highlighted the necessity for united efforts in this context, with waste segregation as the initial phase.

RDD minister Arun Upreti in his address stated that the Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign is a nationwide initiative to create awareness about the importance of cleanliness and sanitation. He further mentioned that the Chief Minister's support underscores the campaign's importance, promoting sustained efforts to integrate cleanliness into daily life, and is committed to making the state a model of environmental stewardship. Emphasising the need for collective action to achieve a cleaner and greener Sikkim he urged all citizens, government officials, and stakeholders to participate actively in the campaign and contribute to making Sikkim a shining example of environmental responsibility.

Earlier, D Anandan, principal secretary, RDD in his welcome address said that the state launch of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 in Sikkim emphasises the vital role of cleanliness and sanitation in enhancing public health and reinforces the collective commitment of the State, and its citizens to uphold cleanliness and sanitation as fundamental values in their daily lives. He stated that this initiative celebrates the achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission over the past decade, which has significantly improved sanitation coverage and health outcomes across India. He also mentioned that the initiative encourages local involvement through cleanliness drives and recognizes the contributions of sanitation workers. As Sikkim marks its 50th Statehood anniversary, it aims to maintain its reputation as a cleanliness leader in India, he added.

During the event, the Chief Minister participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the virtual laying of the foundation stone for the Aspirational Toilets Project under the UDD. These facilities aim to set a new standard for hygiene and cleanliness, equipped with essential amenities such as sanitary napkin dispensers, incinerators, and feeding rooms. 

The Chief Minister virtually inaugurated the Material Recovery Facility and Composting Unit at the Tashiling Secretariat complex and also unveiled the Standard Operating Procedures for the 3-Bin campaign.

The Chief Minister also launched the Swachhata Jingle produced by the Rural Development Department (RDD) and handed over the Mobile Treatment Unit for further implementation of the initiatives to Soreng and Pakyong Districts.

On the occasion, recognising the dedication of Safai Mitras, dignity cards were handed over to five Safai Mitras in line with the Safai Mitra Suraksha Shibir, namely

1. Dew Man Rai of Kopi Bari, Syari.

2. Lamu Doma Bhutia, Lingtam Phadamchen

3. Anil Pal, Arithang

4. Bir Bahadur Chettri, Development Area

5. Bharat Bishwakarma, Arithang

The vote of thanks was proposed by Jitendra Singh Raje, commissioner-cum-secretary, UDD.

The launch programme was followed by a community-driven cleanliness initiative at Hurhuray Dara, located near the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. The event saw the active participation of the Chief Minister, along with other esteemed dignitaries, who joined hands with the local volunteers to clean and beautify the area.

It may be noted here that under the Swachata hi Seva campaign, a series of events have been lined up across Sikkim from September 17 culminating on Swachh Bharat Diwas on October 2.