Jaipur: Nagaur district collector Rajan Vishal on Thursday urged the newly-elected Panchayati Raj members to make the villages in the district free of tobacco and polythene.
In a 10-point demi-official letter, Vishal urged the sarpanch, panch, pradhan and other public representatives to positively work for making their villages "heaven-like."
He has suggested them to make people aware of the harms of using tobacco, plastic carry bags, disposal glasses, cups and other items which, the collector said, have become very common but have the potential to cause significant harm to health and environment.
The collector also attached copies of Acts which deal with smoking and use of plastics, with the letter to the grassroots body.
"These things are common but if controlled, it will improve the quality of life of the individual and society as a whole," Vishal said.
"Since these people represent the public, their sincere advice will touch people and result will be seen on the ground," he added.
Vishal also asked the Panchayat members to encourage people to solve disputes at the local level, so that development is not hindered.
"Disputes related with land or any other matter create hurdle in development and should be settled locally at the level of the society."
"This will help the authorities in carrying out developmental works more efficiently and will build a positive environment," he said.
Underlining the importance of character of the youth for a healthy society, the collector said that youngsters should be motivated for regular physical exercise while refraining from smoking and other bad habits.
Developing habit of water saving, conducting regular meetings of community, ensuring benefits of government schemes to the right beneficiaries were the other points the collector raised in the letter.
"Most of the newly-elected PRI representatives are educated and young, and they can play a significant, meaningful role in social reforms. Their efforts can make a difference in the society so I wrote the letter mentioning ten points in simple language," Vishal told a news agency.
The association of public representatives in government campaigns like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' have delivered good results in the district, he added.
