Swachh Bharat Mission is an important flagship programme of the Government, initiated by the Prime Minister to fulfil the dream of Mahatma Gandhi to make a clean and hygienic India.
It is a country-wide campaign which was launched in 2004 by Prime Minister of India to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management. The program also aims to increase awareness of menstrual health management.
As part of Swachhta Bharat Mission, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is celebrating Swachhta Pakhwada 2023 from 1st July to 15 th July 2023. As part of the Pakhawada, National Sample Survey Office, Field Operations Division, Regional office Shillong had organised an awareness Programme on public health, hygiene and sanitation at AW Thomas Girls’ Home, Jaiaw Lumsyntiew, Shillong which is an orphanage Home.
The programme was attended by Officers and staff of the office of NSSO (FOD) and the Officials of the Home along with the children residing in this orphanage.
Speaking to the event, Shri N. Mohondas Singh, Joint director and Regional Head, NSSO(FOD) RO Shillong emphasized the importance of public hygiene and maintaining sanitation for healthy body. He further stressed that healthy body will lead to healthy mind and it gives the strength to concentrate for achieving one life goals. Smt. O. Sumer, District Health Education officer, Govt of Meghalaya also explained the children in the home about the importance of maintaining hygiene especially in girl children about management of the menstrual health. She advised children for balance diet food for healthy life. Smt. M. Nongrum, Assistant Director,NSSO(FOD) Ro Shillong informed that Meghalaya state has history of maintaining clean environment and however, she advised the children to develop a habit to maintain cleanliness in and around their surroundings. The program was also attended other senior officers of NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong. A sanitizer dispenser filled liquid sanitizer was also donated by NSSO(FOD), RO Shillong to the home along with some of the hygiene products like hand washes etc. As a gesture of social responsibility and love, all the staffs including contractual staffs of different levels of the office contributed some amounts each and donated day to day required food items like, rice, dals, oil etc. to the children home.
NSSO(FOD) RO Shillong, also organized a cleaning drive and plantation of tree saplings in Malki Forest area, shillong as part of the celebration of Swachhta Pakhwada 2023,.