Shillong score in Swachh survey worries PM

SHILLONG: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday Shillong’s Swachh Survekshan ranking “is a cause for concern” for the State Government and social organisations.
Modi, who was addressing the centenary celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangha via video conference from Delhi, said Gangtok is the only city from the region that has fared well in the survey.
He said that all people need to be told that that “they are an authority of Swachhta (cleanliness) and can make a difference on their own” as is the case in other better ranked cities and towns.
Recalling how Swami Pranabananda, founder of BSS, urged lakhs of selfless workers to change the future of this country, Modi said, “Can BSS focus its centenary celebration on cleanliness in the same way in which Swami Pranabananda did a tirade to defeat unholy and exploitative practices in pilgrimages during his lifetime.”
While seeking to know whether BSS’s centenary celebration can utilise the swachhta mission, Modi said the Sangha can be a great help in disaster management and foster sporting activities through its institutions in remote corners of this region.
Talking about minorities in the country, the Prime Minister said APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president who was known for his integrity, was hailed by the majority Indians. He also said the people of Assam and Meghalaya have won his heart.