Shillong, Aug 3: The state PHE Department has initiated the process of ranking the Districts under a nationwide programme “Swachh Survekshan Gramin (SSG) 2018,” by conducting a survey of the overall cleanliness status of villages which has been commissioned by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

The initiative is part of the on-going Swachh Bharat Mission in the country.

The programme was launched by WR Lyngdoh, Secretary to the State Meghalaya and also the Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) at a function on Friday.

On the concept and objectives of the programme, Lyngdoh said that the programme is a follow up of the progress made by the State in the sanitation sector.

A. Lyngkhoi, State Coordinator, SBM (G) highlighted the mode and modalities of the survey and informed that similar launching will be also done at District, Block and Village level.

Under the SSG 2018, an independent survey agency has already been appointed by the Central government, which is conducting the survey this month.

The survey team will undertake a sample survey of selected villages in which samples of households, schools, anganwadi centres, churches, market places and public places would be visited to assess their cleanliness status. Besides, citizen feedbacks will also be taken and would be added to the overall findings of the survey.

Top performing districts will be given national awards on the October 2, by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.