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Business News/ News / India/  Could we have imposed lockdown had coronavirus hit before 2014: PM Modi
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Could we have imposed lockdown had coronavirus hit before 2014: PM Modi

'Imagine what would have happened had pandemic like coronavirus broken out before 2014. Could we have imposed lockdown when over 60% population was forced to open defecation?,' says PM after inaugurating Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra

PM Modi speaking after inaugurating Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (Photo: ANI)Premium
PM Modi speaking after inaugurating Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK), an interactive experience centre on Swachh Bharat Mission.

The inauguration has been done on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha.

The Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra is situated at Raj Ghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.

While delivering the inaugural address at the launch of the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra in New Delhi, which was also attended by students,, Modi said RSK is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's efforts towards cleanliness.

Cleanliness drive has been a big support in fight against coronavirus, he said and also announced a week-long campaign from 8-15 August to free India of garbage.

Prime Minister also referred to the anniversary of Quit India movement and launched 'Gandagi Mukt Bharat', a special week-long campaign for swachhata (cleanliness) in the run up to Independence Day, during which each day till 15 August there will be special cleanliness initiatives in urban and rural areas of the country.

He said India has to move from ODF (open defecation free) status to "ODF plus" and devise ways of turning dirt into gold.

"Imagine what would have happened had pandemic like coronavirus broken out before 2014. Could we have imposed lockdown when over 60 per cent population was forced for open defecation? Swachhagraha has empowered us in the fight against COVID-19. This is a journey that will continuously go on. We have to move to ODF from ODF now. We have to devise ways of converting dirt into gold," he said.

He asked children to follow social distancing norms and wear masks to guard against coronavirus.

"The installations at RSK will introduce future generations to the successful journey of the world's largest behaviour change campaign, the Swachh Bharat Mission, " a statement issued by the PMO said.

"A balanced mix of digital and outdoor installations in the RSK will impart information, awareness and education on Swachhata and related aspects. The interplay of processes will be presented through assimilative learning, success stories and thematic messages in an interactive format," the PMO said.

In his address, the Prime Minister said that in the last few years lakhs of people across the country, who are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, have made 'Swachh Bharat Mission' a goal of their lives.

"This is the reason that we have been able to provide toilet facility to over 60 crore people in just 60 months. Due to this people got self-confidence and women got respect and security. Poor children were saved from deadly diseases. Dalits, tribals and oppressed classes benefitted due to toilets. Due to Swachha Bharat Abhiyan, our country's culture has witnessed a transformation," he added.

Recalling anniversary of Quit India movement, the Prime Minister said Mahatma Gandhi had driven Britishers away from India.

"Our aim is to drive `gandagi' away from India. We all are a part of a campaign now, 'Gandagi, Bharat chorho'. On this historic occasion, the inauguration of Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra holds significance. Mahatma Gandhi used to see Swaraj (independence) in cleanliness. I am happy that a modern memorial has been established near Raj Ghat which will honour the idea of cleanliness as an ideal," he said.

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Published: 08 Aug 2020, 06:06 PM IST
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