Jabalpur, Nov 14 — Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, on Saturday said Jabalpur was steadily carving out an identity as one of the cleanest cities in the country, adding a new distinction to its traditional recognition as a centre of culture, heritage and natural beauty.
Known as Sanskardhani (city of culture) and for its famous marble rocks at Bhedaghat, Jabalpur was now gaining recognition for its cleanliness initiatives, Yadav said.
"Jabalpur, known as Sanskardhani (city of culture), the city of justice and blessed by Baba Mahakal, has witnessed a change in its fortunes. The city, which is known for the marble rocks of Bhedaghat, is now also establishing its identity as a city of cleanliness. This is a wonderful blessing of the Almighty. I am extremely happy that Jabalpur is making a distinct place for itself among the cleanest cities in the country," Yadav said.
"Whenever an example of cleanliness is sought, it will be found in our own Jabalpur," he added.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 'Safai Mitra Samman' ceremony at Manas Bhawan in Jabalpur, where he felicitated sanitation workers for their contribution to keeping the city clean.
He showered flower petals on the sanitation workers and acknowledged their dedication towards maintaining cleanliness.
Emphasising the importance of sanitation workers in the city's development, Yadav said their contribution to building a clean and beautiful society deserved recognition and respect.
He also highlighted the importance of cleanliness in Indian culture, citing the significance of the broom during Diwali.
The Chief Minister said the tradition of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi along with respecting the symbol of cleanliness reflected how cleanliness was deeply embedded in Indian values and traditions.
Referring to welfare measures for sanitation workers, Yadav said the state government had decided to extend benefits under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to them.
He also mentioned the Centre's NAMASTE scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide sanitation workers with necessary equipment and improve their welfare.
Highlighting development initiatives for Jabalpur, the Chief Minister said the proposed economic corridor connecting Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain would strengthen connectivity and accelerate economic activities in the region.
He further said one of the three proposed universities under the Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) would be established in Jabalpur, adding that the government was committed to the overall development of the region.
Later, at a programme organised at Garrison Ground under the Janjatiya Gaurav Week to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Yadav announced five development projects worth Rs 133 crore for Jabalpur.
He also felicitated tribal religious leaders at the programme and was honoured with a traditional turban and a bow and arrows.