To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation today, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Speaker, Ministers of State, AMC Mayor and other officials in a solemn programme placed floral offerings at Gandhiji's statue at MG Road, Aizawl this morning, followed by a public function at Vanapa Hall.

At the Vanapa Hall function, Chief Minister Mr. Zoramthanga called upon the gathering to remember and imbibe Gandhiji's message of non-violence in their daily life, and to treasure the peace enjoyed today. The Chief Minister discussed measures taken to ensure the success of the Swachh Bharat Movement in the state, as well as new developments in water conservation and collection to ensure access to clean water for all.

The Chief Minister released two Manuals - Jal Shakti Campus and Jal Shakti Gram today. These are published by Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education (MGNCRE) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development to help Higher Education Institution in developing strategies, action plans and implementation plans for water conservation on the campuses and in the villages with which the campuses are engaged with. The manuals are expected to provide standard operation procedures and inspire Swachhta and Water Conservation movements progressively covering all Higher Education Institutions across India.

The Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tawnluia in his speech expressed his support for the Swachh Bharat movement which he said "is a continuation of Gandhiji's dream of a clean India". Mr. Tawnluia discussed various measures undertaken by the state government through various departments to ensure the state becomes open defecation free, as well as the recent banning of single use plastic by the Aizawl Municipal Corporation, which he said is a positive step forward to a better future.

Prizes for a Short Film Competition organised by the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were distributed today. The prize winners are:

1st Prize (Rs. 50,000) - "Gandhi" - Zami Vanchhawng
2nd Prize (Rs. 30,000) - "Sakhaw Zalenna" - Albert Zosangliana
3rd Prize (Rs. 15,000) - "Gandhi, Father of the Nation" - Israel Lalmuanpuia Renthlei

In a continuation of the Swachhta movement, the cleanest towns in the state were selected by the UD&PA Department and PHE Department. Prize winners in different categories are as follows:

I. Category-I (District headquarters- Urban):

   1st Prize (Rs. 1,00,000, Memento and Certificate) - Serchhip Urban Town
    2nd Prize (Rs. 80,000, Memento and Certificate) - Lunglei Urban Town
    3rd Prize (Rs. 40,000, Memento and Certificate) - Kolasib Urban Town

II. Category-II (Notified towns - Urban):

    1st Prize (Rs. 1,00,000, Memento and Certificate) - Biate
    2nd Prize (Rs. 80,000, Memento and Certificate) - Zawlnuam
    3rd Prize (Rs. 40,000, Memento and Certificate) - Thenzawl

III. All towns (Category-I and Category-II combined):

    1st Prize (Rs. 1,00,000) - Biate
    2nd Prize                - Zawlnuam
    3rd Prize                - Serchhip

IV. Cleanest villages in each districts under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin:
      Aizawl district - Thingsul Tlangnuam
      Lunglei district - Haulawng
      Siaha district - Zawngling
      Champhai district - Dungtlang
      Kolasib district - Phainuam
      Lawngtlai district - Cheural
      Mamit district - Reiek
      Serchhip district - Hmuntha
      Hnahthial district - Rawpui
      Khawzawl district - Tualte
      Saitual district - Suangpuilawn
The selected villages are given cash award of Rs. 20,000 each.