Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged on cities to compete for cleanliness in a healthy way on Friday. While rating, he stated that additional categories may be formed to recognise cities that are putting the most effort to attain cleanliness, as well as the best-performing ones. Under the Modi government’s flagship initiative Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, cities are now graded for cleanliness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke via video conference at the beginning of the All-India Mayors’ Conference on Friday. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Hardeep Singh Puri, the union minister, were also in Varanasi for the event.
Read also: Modi asks mayors to celebrate their cities
The Prime Minister, speaking to the crowd, stated that the growth of Kashi may serve as a blueprint for the entire country. Existing structures should not be demolished; instead, focus should be placed on renewal and preservation. He also requested mayors to organise events relating to the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ such as rangoli competitions centred around the liberation fight or song and lullaby (lori) competitions.
Modi also proposed that mayors find out when their cities’ birthdays are and celebrate them. He urged mayors to re-energize the battle against single-use plastic bags and devise new methods to generate revenue from garbage. On mission mode, he also requested that LED bulbs be extensively deployed in streetlights and residences throughout their communities.
Read also: Russian President Putin to dial PM Modi on Monday in follow-up to Dec 6 summit
The Prime Minister emphasised the need of bolstering MSMEs as part of the growth strategy. “Street sellers are a part of our own journey; we will witness their difficulties at every turn.” PM Svanidhi Yojana was created specifically for them. This strategy is excellent. Make a list of those in your area and educate them how to use a cellphone to do business. This would make bank financing easier,” he added, adding that their relevance was highlighted during the epidemic.
