Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India] September 17 (ANI): Greeting citizens of the state on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that under the 'Swachhta hi seva' drive special focus of cleaning has to be taken up in schools , temples and residences.

He said, "Today is the initiating day of "Swacchta hi Seva" campaign and PM Modi inaugurated the drive from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15, 2014."

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"Prior to 2014, not much emphasis was laid on cleanliness but after that keeping the premises clean was given much importance. Under the initiative, toilets were constructed. The initiative will last fifteen days and step by step various programmes will be held including a marathon which should be made a co-curricular activity," the CM further said while addressing the event.

The Chattisgarh CM further stressed that there was a need to make cleanliness a habit for all.

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"The drive was started on August 15, 2014. Under the initiative, personal saving accounts were opened for the poor in which amount was transferred directly. There is a need to make cleanliness a habit for all and it is our collective responsibility to ensure it," the CM Sai said.

The special cleanliness drive will run from September 17 to October 2 in various parts of the city.

The Chattisgarh CM also extended his best wishes to prime minister Narendra Modi on his birthday saying that he has served 140 crore people of the country with utmost dedication. The CM also said that the state government had kept its electoral promise on providing housing. 18 lak house under the PM Awas Yojna were sanctioned in the first cabinet meeting itself.

Along with chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, MLAs Purinder Mishra, Motilal Sahu and mayor Ajaz Daber participated in the event.

Earlier, in his message on Vishwakarma Diwas the CM said, "On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Dev Shilpi Bhagwan Vishwakarma ji, blessings were sought by worshipping Bhagwan Vishwakarma in the Electric Operating Room of the Chief Minister's residence today. On this occasion, machines and vehicles were also worshipped. May the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma always remain upon all of us, may there be happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life, this is my prayer." (ANI)

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