Clean mind essential to root out corruption: Chief minister
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 02 2022:
Paying homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, the state administration observed National Cleanliness Day at Gandhi Memorial Hall, here, on Sunday.
Chief minister N Biren led others in lying wreaths at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi during the observance.
Speaking as chief guest of the commemorative event, Biren highlighted the contributions made by Mahatma Gandhi for the country and in achieving independence from the British.
He is revered across the world because of his non-violent movement, Biren said and added that the non-violent movement is crucial for maintaining peace and is supported by people in today's world where many countries have powerful nuclear bombs.
Cleanliness is not limited only to physical and surrounding areas, but it also implies to the mind and character.
Every individual should uphold the righteous path and maintain transparency in their actions.
Ministers, MLAs, other elected representatives and government officials need to carry out their responsibilities with clean mind in order to root out corruption from the system and bring welfare and prosperity in the society, he said.
Along with the celebration of the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the nation is also observing the 8th anniversary of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched on October 2, 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.
He maintained that the ideals and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi are meaningless if the people are unable to implement them or translate them into actions.
The Central government under the leadership of PM Modi had launched various schemes for the welfare of the people including construction of sanitary latrines and provision of safe drinking water, which the government is taking up across the country, he added.
Taking advantage of the day, the CM also appealed to all against dumping waste into ponds, rivers, lakes and on the streets, as well as for keeping our localities clean and hygienic, while mentioning about the cleaning of Imphal River in Kangpokpi area and Nambul River in Imphal city area, which began recently.
The BJP government was the first government that took up the work of cleaning Imphal River.
Construction of houses and toilets on the banks and dropping sludge into the river is against the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
In order to protect the rivers from such pollution, the government is taking up eviction works, he said while urging the public to understand their responsibilities as a social being.
The CM also stressed on the need for proper Solid Waste Management at the micro level and maintaining solid waste dumping sites in all districts under the watch and supervision of the DCs concerned in coordination with the local MLAs.
He also emphasised on setting up multiple smallscale dumping sites in all the districts by incorporating local clubs.
MAHUD minister Y Khemchand, who presided over the function, also called for stopping the act of dumping garbage and solid waste into the rivers and on the roadsides.
Though several organisations, local youth groups are organising various campaigns such as Clean Imphal, Clean Manipur, Clean Loktak Lake, understanding and participation of the general public is crucial in order to keep our surroundings clean, he added.
Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, water resources minister Awangbou Newmai, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, social welfare minister Heikham Dingo, transport minister Khashim Vashum, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, senior officials of civil and police departments also attended the function.
Artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukanda Dev Government Music College performed the opening and closing songs of the observance.
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