Replace plastic bags with cloth bags: PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Describing 'waste to wealth' as an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, called on fellow citizens to take a pledge to replace plastic bags with cloth bags.

In his 98th 'Mann Ki Baat' address, PM Modi said Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has changed the meaning of public participation (jan bhagidaari) in the country. In 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister mentioned the cleanliness campaign by the youth of Haryana.

He said, "There is a village in Haryana called Dulhedi. The youth here decided that Bhiwani city has to be made exemplary in terms of cleanliness. They formed an organisation called Yuva Swachhta Evam Janseva Samiti. The youth associated with this committee reach Bhiwani at 4 in the morning. Together, they run cleanliness drives at different places in the city. These people have so far cleared tonnes of garbage from different areas of the city."

Prime Minister Modi further mentioned Kamala Moharana, a resident of Odisha's Kendrapada district who runs a self-help group.

He said the women of this self-help group make things like baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packing materials.

"'Waste to wealth' is also an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This is becoming a good source of income for them, along with ensuring cleanliness. If we adopt a resolution, we can make a huge contribution towards a clean India. At least, we all should take a pledge to replace plastic bags with cloth bags," said PM Modi.

PM Modi further spoke about Indian toys and story-telling forms in 'Mann ki Baat'.

He said citizens have made 'Mann Ki Baat' a wonderful platform for public participation.

He said, "In Mann ki Baat, we referred to Indian toys. My fellow citizens have promoted it as well, and they did so readily. Nowadays, Indian toys have become such a craze that their demand has increased even in foreign countries. When we spoke of the Indian genre of story-telling in 'Mann ki Baat," their fame also reached far and wide. "People started getting attracted to the Indian story-telling genre more and more."

Extending good wishes to countrymen for Holi, PM Modi urged that the festival be celebrated with the resolve of 'Vocal for Local'.

"Holi is just a few days away. I would like to wish a happy Holi to all of you. We have to celebrate our festival with the resolve of 'Vocal for Locall of you. We have to celebrate our festival with the resolve of "Vocal for Local." Do not forget to share your experiences with me as well," said PM Modi.

'Mann ki Baat' is a monthly address, aired on All India Radio on the last Sunday of every month, through which Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with countrymen.

The Prime Minister referred to the e-Sanjeevani as a "lifesaving app" for the common man. Modi said, "E-Sanjeevani is becoming a life-saving app for the common man of the country, for the middle class, and for the people living in hilly areas. This is the power of India's digital revolution. And today we are seeing its effect in every field. You also know the power of India's UPI. Many countries of the world are drawn towards it."

He also said the double engine government is attaching high priority to developmental projects in the state.

Addressing the Rozgar Mela of Uttar Pradesh government via a video message, the Prime Minister highlighted the achievements of the double engine government, saying new airports, new defence corridor, mobile manufacturing units, infrastructure and and modern waterways are bringing in unprecedented employment opportunities.

He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh is now recognised for its improved law and order. This, has led to new opportunities for employment and business investments. (Agencies)

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