Clean Surroundings Key to Rural Progress: Minister Seethakka

Stating that village development cannot be achieved by the government alone, State Panchayati Raj Minister Seethakka emphasised that every citizen must be an active participant . She took part in a voluntary sanitation drive in Pasra village of Govindaraopet mandal in Mulugu district, personally cleaning the surroundings and setting an example for the public.

She underlined that people’s participation is crucial for rural development , urging everyone to treat cleanliness as a collective responsibility . On the occasion of World Water Day , she joined District Collector T.S. Diwakar and SP Sudheer Ramnath Kekan in a ‘Jal Mahotsav’ rally . Addressing the gathering, the Minister warned that wastage of water poses a threat to human survival . She called upon citizens to construct soak pits in every household to improve groundwater levels and to protect forests and water resources.

The Minister advised villagers to avoid littering and follow proper waste management practices. She also appreciated the services of sanitation workers , urging people to treat them with respect.

Highlighting government initiatives, she said several programmes are being implemented for women’s economic empowerment , including providing loans to women’s groups to start businesses. She also revealed plans to provide breakfast and lunch to Intermediate students , and to supply milk to schoolchildren as part of student welfare measures.

To address milk shortages, she encouraged women to take up dairy farming . Under the Indiramma Insurance Scheme , she announced that families holding ration cards would receive ₹5 lakh ex gratia in case of accidental death. She also assured that new ration cards would be issued to eligible poor families. Additionally, she said village festivals would be organised to promote unity beyond caste and religion.

District Collector T.S. Diwakar stated that sanitation programmes are being effectively implemented under the ‘99 Days Public Governance–Progress Plan’ . He added that arrangements have been made in advance to ensure adequate drinking water supply during summer , including in tribal areas.

During the programme, the Minister and officials felicitated sanitation workers and participated in the Jal Mahotsav pledge .