The Rajasthan government has launched a statewide cleanliness pledge and awareness campaign, marking the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at promoting hygiene, environmental protection, and public health across the state.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the campaign on Saturday at Albert Hall in Jaipur, where he personally participated in a cleanliness drive, sending a strong message about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
Chief Minister Leads by Example with Cleanliness Drive
At the state-level event, Chief Minister Sharma performed shramdaan (voluntary labor) to promote the spirit of public participation in cleanliness efforts. During the program, he also distributed PPE kits to sanitation workers of the municipal corporation, acknowledging their crucial role in maintaining public hygiene.
Additionally, beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s SVANidhi Scheme, which supports street vendors with financial assistance, were presented with symbolic cheques during the event.
The Chief Minister also administered a cleanliness pledge to everyone present and planted a tree at Ramniwas Bagh, emphasizing the connection between cleanliness, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Rajasthan Day to be Celebrated on March 19
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that Rajasthan Day will be celebrated across the state with great enthusiasm on March 19 this year.
He noted that Greater Rajasthan was established on March 30, 1949, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, coinciding with the Indian New Year on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. The state government decided last year to align Rajasthan Day celebrations with this traditional date.
According to Sharma, the cleanliness campaign marks the beginning of the Rajasthan Day celebrations, reflecting the government’s commitment to making Rajasthan not only economically strong but also one of the cleanest and healthiest states in India.
Cleanliness: Foundation of Health and Economic Growth
Highlighting the broader importance of cleanliness, Sharma said that cleanliness is the foundation of good health, a key to environmental protection, and an essential driver of economic growth.
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the Swachh Bharat Mission into a nationwide people’s movement. The initiative, he said, has gone beyond cleaning streets and drains and has encouraged behavioral change among citizens.
“India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and Rajasthan’s own development goals can only be achieved if every home, street, park, and monument remains clean,” he added.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, more than 120 million toilets have been constructed across India, significantly improving sanitation and enhancing the safety and dignity of women.
Special Programs to Promote Cleanliness
The Rajasthan government has organized several initiatives to encourage public participation in sanitation efforts. Cleanliness drives have already been held at locations such as Jal Mahal and Mansarovar City Park in Jaipur.
The launch of the campaign from Albert Hall continues this effort as part of Rajasthan Day celebrations.
The Chief Minister emphasized that cleanliness is not just the responsibility of the government but also a personal duty of every citizen.
He also highlighted the Vande Ganga Water Conservation Campaign, which focused on cleaning water sources and saw participation from over 2.5 crore citizens. Additionally, during the Seva Pakhwada, cleanliness camps were organized in nearly 6,000 medical institutions across the state.
Rajasthan Leads in Cleanliness Initiatives
The state has made significant progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). According to the Chief Minister:
Over 2.78 lakh individual household toilets have been constructed.
More than 4,000 community toilets have been built.
Nearly all villages in Rajasthan have been declared ODF Plus (Open Defecation Free Plus).
Rajasthan also secured the top position in cleanliness targets under the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva 2025’ campaign.
In the Swachh Survekshan 2024 rankings, cities like Udaipur and Jaipur were placed among the top 20 cleanest cities in India, while Dungarpur received recognition as a Super Swachh League City.
A Collective Responsibility
Reiterating the message of collective responsibility, Chief Minister Sharma reminded citizens of Prime Minister Modi’s mantra:
“Neither will we create filth, nor will we allow others to do so.”
He stressed that small efforts by every individual can contribute to achieving the larger goal of a developed Rajasthan by 2047.
The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore, MLA Gopal Sharma, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, officials from various departments, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) brand ambassador K.K. Gupta, sanitation workers, and a large number of citizens.
