Sanitation coverage increased from 38% to 80% in India: Modi
PM Narendra Modi today said the sanitation coverage in the country has increased from 38% to nearly 80% and asserted that the "Swachh Bharat Mission" is playing a central role in creating a healthy India. Interacting with the beneficiaries of the "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana" (PMBJP) through video bridge, Modi said that more than 3.5 lakh villages have declared themselves open defecation free.
Cleanliness is considered first necessity for a healthy life: Modi
"Cleanliness is considered to be the first necessity for a healthy life. We initiated the campaign to construct toilets at home. This campaign for cleanliness is being taken forward successfully by 125 crore people of the country," Modi said.
Open defecation free villages have saved Rs. 50,000, says PM
Referring to a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) study, Modi said that in those villages which are open defecation free, Rs. 50,000, which would have otherwise been used for other works, is being saved on an average per family. Otherwise, the same amount would have gone into the treatment of various diseases and commuting to and fro to the hospital, among others.
