For drug-free state, involve women self-help groups: Governor

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla stressed the need for involving representatives of the panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and women self-help groups (SHGs) in making Himachal drug free.

The Governor today participated in the ‘Swachhata hi Seva’ campaign organised by Shimla district administration at Fagu in Theog. The theme Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata, focuses on encouraging behavioural change and integrating cleanliness into daily life and culture.

Shukla said apart from various NGOs, women self-help groups and representatives of the PRIs can play a crucial role in the fight against drug abuse. Addressing women panchayat representatives and self-help group (SHG) members, he emphasised the importance of collective responsibility towards cleanliness.

He said that the Swachh Bharat Mission is marking its 10th anniversary this year, with the ‘Swachhata hi Seva (SHS) 2024’ campaign running from September 17 to October 2.

The Governor highlighted key aspects of the campaign such as general cleanliness drives, public participation and Safai Mitra suraksha camps.

He said health check-up of sanitation workers under social security schemes must be undertaken. The Governor administered the Swachhata pledge to PRI and and SHG members. He also inaugurated a health camp organised in collaboration with the Health Department and launched a plantation drive by planting a deodar sapling.

During the discussion, Mahila Pradhans and ‘didis’ of self-help groups apprised the Governor about the various works being done by them. Representatives from Banni, Makhdol, Cheog, Dehna and Shateyan panchayats of Theog sub division participated in the programme.