The government's 'Swachh Bharat', or 'Clean India', initiative has the potential to address public health issues and promote tourism in the country, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Thursday.
Addressing an industry chamber Ficci-ISC Sanitation Conclave, the Minister also underlined the need to improve soil fertility, saying soil security is a critical component of food security.
"Swachh Bharat can become a big change agent for India. It has huge potential to push economic growth," Prabhu said.
"Once this campaign is successful, there will be economic growth because the moment sanitation issue is addressed, the public health will get addressed which will give a boost to economic growth.
"I think several issues will get addressed by Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We can address public health related issues... tourism, which is the fastest growing sector, will also be benefited by Swachh Bharat," he said.
"Sanitation is something that requires effort of all, not just the government. Government can only motivate, facilitate and help but without self-motivation, we cannot do it," he added.
On the occasion, Prabhu also released a compendium of best practices titled "Business of Change -- Thinking beyond Shitpots and Accolades".
--IANS
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