New Delhi: Pushing for meeting the target of constructing toilets in all schools by August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday directed officials to assess the progress made on this front across the country so that "bottlenecks", if any, could be removed expeditiously.
Reviewing the 'Swachh Vidyalaya Programme' at a high-level meeting here, he was informed about the status of construction of toilets in schools across various states by the governments, PSUs as well as some private sector entities.
The Prime Minister had announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort during his Independence Day address last year his government's intention to construct toilets in all schools within one year.
Based on the available data, Modi noted that several states are already close to achieving the hundred percent target, a PMO statement said.
He directed officials concerned to focus on these states immediately so that these states complete the task at the earliest.
The Prime Minister directed Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth and Cabinet Secretary-designate P.K. Sinha to personally review the figures being reported from various parts in the country so that "any bottlenecks in the full implementation of the vision of 'Swachh Vidyalaya' initiative can be removed expeditiously," the statement said.
Observing gaps in implementation of the targets accepted by some PSUs and some private sector entities, Modi directed that these be looked into so that these organizations can also meet their targets within the stipulated timeframe.
Union Minister for Human Resource Development Smriti Irani was present at the meeting which was also attended by top officials from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, NITI Aayog and the PMO.
At another meeting to review healthcare initiatives and and progress towards Millennium Development Goals, the Prime Minister said an evaluation should be made on the contribution of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' towards improvement of health indicators.
He called for documentation and adaptation of best practices in healthcare sector across the country to enable their rapid scaling up for maximum benefit.
Modi said "huge strides" were being made in Human Development Index and social parameters, in areas where the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen significantly, the PMO said.
These benefits of low TFR should be brought before the people across the country, he added.
The Prime Minister asked the Health Ministry to keep an eye on acute health problems affecting specific parts of the country, such as Japanese Encephalitis in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
He also said that more attention was required on healthcare initiatives for the urban poor.
The Prime Minister also reviewed the status of National Rural Drinking Water Programme and said focus on water conservation should be an integral part of all water supply initiatives.
He said that while planning for rural areas, a clear provision should be made for the water requirements of cattle and other related needs.
It was observed that following the increase in devolution of funds to states in accordance with the recommendations of the Finance Commission, states could spend a portion of the additional funds available for drinking water supply projects, a PMO statement said.
