Swachh Bharat Mission should become a 'jan andolan': Venkaiah

For success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, awareness among public has to be created so that it becomes a "jan andolan", Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said.

Speaking at 'Swachhagraha', organised as part of screening of short films on 'Swachh Bharat' drive here, Venkaiah said public movement has to be built to maintain cleanliness.

Stressing on adopting a three-pronged approach to maintaining cleanliness in the country, he said "first awareness should be created among masses, basic amenities and toilets in public places should be provided and then it should be considered on imposing fines on those violating the rules." Citing the example of Singapore, the Minister said "Singapore is a fine city but also 'fines' city." The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister also said government would showcase the short films on 'Swachh Bharat' in cinema theatres to create more awareness among the people on cleanliness.

These films would help in creating awareness and making India cleaner by 2019, he opined.

In a very short time, around 4,346 entries were received by the National Film Development Corporation and ten best films have been selected from the received entries, said Venkaiah.

Realising the immense potential of cinema, Centre has conceptualised the Swachh Bharat Short Film Festival (SBSFF), he said and added the intent is to spread the message of Swachh Bharat through the medium of cinema and creativity.

In order to make Swachh Bharat mission a success, people from film industry should extend their cooperation, he said.

Venkaiah said as on date, 405 cities and towns have become Open Defecation Free (ODF) and 739 would become ODF by March next year.

On the occasion, the Minister handed over cheque of Rs 31.20 crores to the Telangana's Minister for Information and Technology and Municipal Administration K T Rama Rao for public awareness and solid waste management in Telangana.

He also appreciated the measures being taken by Telangana government for construction of toilets and for maintaining proper sanitation.

Later, Venkaiah administered pledge on Swachhagraha.