Letters: Change attitude

With reference to the Swachh Bharat campaign, the government is more inclined to set up infrastructure than change the mindset of citizens that causes them to litter. But merely focusing on a cleanliness and sanitation campaign rather than changing the mindset that necessitates such a campaign will not yield positive results in the long term.

I would like to share my personal experience of advocating a cleanliness/hygiene campaign at a construction site where at least 600 labourers were employed. The emphasis was on a change in attitude. For example, to make the workers realise the importance of cleanliness and good habits, they were asked to think about what would happen if they fell ill and couldn't send money to their families because it would be required for their treatment instead. And who would look after them if they fell ill? After a month of observation, I got good response from most of the workers. The fear factor worked.

Imparting information and education and spreading awareness among the people can go a long way in changing mindsets. The government should integrate Swachh Bharat, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation and the Smart Cities initiative. The benefits of each initiative will then be fully visible.

Prateek Shendre Bidar

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