Safai Mitra Sammelan in Ujjain: On September 19, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced and addressed the Safai Mitra Sammelan held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The event was marked by a significant milestone as the President also laid the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Indore-Ujjain Six Lane Road Project, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure.
During her address, President Murmu highlighted the invaluable contributions of Safai Mitras, who serve as the nation’s front-line sanitation warriors. She emphasized that Safai Mitras play a pivotal role in protecting the public from diseases, dirt, and various health risks. Their tireless efforts at the local, state, and national levels contribute significantly to the success of India’s cleanliness initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Role of Safai Mitras in Nation-BuildingThe President praised Safai Mitras for their unwavering dedication to keeping our cities and towns clean. She stated, “Our Safai Mitras are the backbone of the cleanliness drive. The biggest credit for our achievements in the field of cleanliness goes to them. They are not only safeguarding our health but also playing an essential role in nation-building.”
President Murmu called upon the government and society to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Safai Mitras. She stressed that it is a shared responsibility to protect these sanitation workers. A significant development in this regard is the ongoing initiative to replace hazardous man-holes with machine-holes, minimizing manual cleaning and thereby safeguarding the lives of workers.
The President also acknowledged the efforts made under various welfare schemes that are benefiting Safai Mitras at both the central and state levels. She pointed out that health check-up camps, known as Safai Mitra Suraksha Camps, are being set up to monitor the well-being of these workers. Additionally, many cities in Madhya Pradesh have already been declared Safai Mitra Surakshit, providing a safer working environment for sanitation workers.
Achieving Total Cleanliness Under Swachh Bharat Mission: Safai Mitra SammelanPresident Murmu reminded the audience that the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission will continue until 2025, to achieve total cleanliness across India. “Our mission is clear: we need to achieve national targets in solid and liquid waste management while maintaining our status as a country free from open defecation,” she said.
She further elaborated on the national campaign “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata,” which encourages citizens to take personal responsibility for cleanliness. “Citizens throughout the nation are pledging to clear dirt and litter, contributing to the service of Mother India,” she added. The President expressed her confidence that citizens from every corner of the country would actively support the Swachh Bharat Mission by engaging in Shramdaan (voluntary labor) to ensure the success of the campaign.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideals and the Pledge for a Clean India: Safai Mitra SammelanDrawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, President Murmu spoke about the need to implement Gandhi’s ideals of cleanliness. “One step toward cleanliness can lead to a significant impact in maintaining the cleanliness of the entire country,” she said, urging all present to commit to building a clean, healthy, and developed India.
In conclusion, President Droupadi Murmu’s address at the Safai Mitra Sammelan was a call to action for the country. She encouraged every citizen to participate in the national cleanliness campaign and take collective responsibility for the health and cleanliness of the nation. By pledging to contribute to a cleaner India, we honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and ensure a healthier and brighter future for generations to come.
