NSSO Shillong hygiene campaign at AW Thomas Girls’ Home for Swachhta Pakhwada 2023

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2023

The Swachh Bharat Mission is an important flagship program of the Government, initiated by the Prime Minister to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of making a clean and hygienic India. Launched in 2014, the program aims to eliminate open defecation, improve solid waste management, and increase awareness of menstrual health management.

As part of the Swachhta Bharat Mission, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is celebrating Swachhta Pakhwada 2023 from 1st July to 15th July 2023. During this Pakhwada, the Regional Office of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) Field Operations Division (FOD) in Shillong organized an awareness program on public health, hygiene, and sanitation at AW Thomas Girls’ Home in Jaiaw Lumsyntiew, Shillong an orphanage home. The program was attended by officers and staff from the NSSO (FOD) office, as well as officials from the orphanage, along with the children residing in this orphanage.

Addressing the event, N Mohondas Singh, Joint Director and Regional Head of NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong, emphasized the importance of public hygiene and maintaining sanitation for a healthy body. He stressed that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and provides the strength to concentrate on achieving life goals.

O Sumer, District Health Education Officer of the Government of Meghalaya, explained to the children in the home about the importance of maintaining hygiene, especially in girls, and the management of menstrual health. She advised the children to maintain a balanced diet for a healthy life.

M Nongrum, Assistant Director of NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong, mentioned that Meghalaya has a history of maintaining a clean environment. She encouraged the children to develop a habit of cleanliness in and around their surroundings.

Senior officers from NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong also attended the program. As a gesture of social responsibility and care, NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong donated a sanitizer dispenser filled with liquid sanitizer, along with other hygiene products like hand washes, to the home. Additionally, all staff members, including contractual staff at different levels, contributed amounts and donated essential food items like rice, lentils, oil, etc., for the children’s home.

As part of the Swachhta Pakhwada 2023 celebration, NSSO (FOD) RO Shillong also organized a cleaning drive and tree sapling plantation in the Malki Forest area of Shillong, furthering their commitment to cleanliness and environmental conservation.