
"When small habits become collective resolve...": PM Modi praises carbon-neutral model of Maharasthra's Patoda village
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Patoda village in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district for becoming a model carbon-neutral gram panchayat through sustainable practices and community effort.
'A village in Maharashtra has set a remarkable example,' said the Prime Minister in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat. 'Patoda is a gram panchayat that is carbon neutral. No one here throws garbage outside their home. There is a complete system for collecting waste from every household.'
PM Modi elaborated on the village's holistic waste management and eco-friendly traditions.
'Wastewater is treated before being released into the river. Last rites are performed using cow dung cakes, and the ashes are used to plant a tree in the name of the deceased. The cleanliness in this village is truly commendable. When small habits become a collective resolve, significant change becomes inevitable,' he said.
Following the PM's address, the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj took to its social media platform X to post, 'Gram Panchayats are inspired to work with even greater dedication and renewed enthusiasm.'
'The inspiring words of the Hon'ble Prime Minister energise Gram Panchayats across the country to embrace innovative practices. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj continues to encourage and showcase such success stories through various incentivisation measures, helping them become role models for others. Gram Panchayats everywhere are stepping forward with fresh commitment,' the Ministry said.
Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted a major achievement of India in his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, proudly stating that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised the country's efforts in achieving 'Trachoma-free' status.
In his address to the nation through the 123rd edition of his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat' PM Modi credited the success to frontline health workers.
In his address to the nation through the 123rd edition of his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi credited the success to frontline health workers.
'We resolved to eliminate trachoma and I am delighted to share with you that WHO has declared India as Trachoma-free. This is the result of the efforts of millions of people who tirelessly fought this disease without stopping. This success belongs to our health workers. The 'Swatch Bharat Abhiyan' also played a major role in its elimination. 'Jal Jeevan Mission' also contributed significantly to this success. Now that clean water is reaching every household through taps, the risk of such diseases has reduced significantly. WHO has also appreciated that India not only dealt with the disease but also addressed its root causes,' he said.
Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can lead to blindness if untreated, was once prevalent in several parts of India.
He said, 'The first achievement is related to our health. Many of you people might have heard about an eye disease - Trachoma. This disease spreads through bacteria, and there was a time when this disease was common in many parts of India. If neglected, this disease eventually causes blindness.'
On October 8, 2024, the WHO declared that the Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. (ANI)

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New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
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India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
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The Print
2 hours ago
- The Print
Decline in percentage of zero-dose children due to govt's proactive, inclusive approach: Health Ministry
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At the same time, it asserted that any comparison of India with any other countries with high burden zero dose children needs to take into consideration India's large population size and high vaccination coverage rate. Vaccination remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health interventions, the ministry said in a statement, noting that the government has taken a proactive and inclusive approach to reach underserved populations. 'Our healthcare workers ASHAs and ANMs conduct over 1.3 crore immunisation sessions across the country,' the statement said. 'As a result of the continued, sustained efforts and intensified implementation of vaccination drives and campaign across the country, the percentage of zero-dose children to the total population has declined from 0.11 per cent in 2023 to 0.06 per cent in 2024,' it said The approach remains progressive, and continuous efforts are being made in the current year to further reduce the burden of zero-dose children in the country, it said. These achievements have positioned India as a global exemplar in child health, as acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) in its 2024 report, it said. The effect of the increased number of lifesaving vaccines in reducing mortality and morbidity in children due to diarrhoea, pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis is also clearly observable, the statement said. According to the latest SRS (2020-22), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has declined from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16 to 88/lakh live births in 2020-22. The United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG 2000-2023) report says that the MMR in India stands at 80 per lakh live births, reflecting an 86 per cent decline relative to the global reduction of 48 per cent since 1990, it stated. According to the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME 2024 Report), India achieved a 78 per cent decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) surpassing the global reduction of 61 per cent and 70 per cent decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54 per cent globally during 1990 – 2023. In addition to focused attention on increasing vaccination coverage, India's UIP embodies a comprehensive range of vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Till 2013, there were only six available vaccines in the programme. Currently, India's UIP covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has seen significant expansion, the statement said. With continued focus on improving vaccine coverage, India has taken a proactive and inclusive approach to reach underserved populations. The Government of India in consultation with all states and UTs, has launched targeted campaigns to address challenges among zero-dose children, particularly in urban slums, peri-urban areas, migratory populations, hard-to-reach regions, and communities affected by vaccine hesitancy. 'To amplify our reach, we are leveraging technology and community engagement. The U-WIN platform tracks immunisation status digitally, ensuring no child is missed. 'Public awareness campaigns are being intensified using mass media, community radio, social media, and even street plays to educate families. Healthcare workers, ASHAs, and ANMs will go door-to-door, not just to vaccinate, but to sensitize the beneficiaries about the benefits of vaccination,' the statement said. Some key initiatives include roll out of Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024 across 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of unvaccinated children; Mission Indradhanush (since 2014), intensified in 2017 in collaboration with state governments, it has vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women — previously unreached or under-vaccinated. The initiatives also include Pulse Polio Campaigns, and Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs) organised regularly for immunisation and outreach activities at the community level. The annual birth cohort in India (2.6 crore) exceeds the total population of several countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Finland, and Switzerland. Given the varying sizes of the countries across the globe, the percentage comparison shows it at par with the vaccination coverage levels observed in many high-income countries for e.g., New Zealand (DTP-1 93%), Germany & Finland (DPT-3 91%), Sweden (MCV-1 93%), Luxembourg (MCV-2 90%), Ireland (PCV-3 83%), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Rota C 90%). (WUNEIC report 2023), the statement said. The comparative results of countries on zero dose children as a percentage of the total population shows that Yemen (1.68%), Sudan (1.45%), Angola (1.1%), Afghanistan (1.1%), Nigeria (0.98%), DR Congo (0.82%), Ethiopia (0.72%), Indonesia (0.23%), Pakistan (0.16%) have far more zero dose children as a percentage of their population compared to India's (0.11% during 2023 as per the last Wuneic report released. Any comparison of India with any other countries with high burden zero dose children needs to take into consideration India's large population size and high vaccination coverage rate, the statement said. Therefore, any interpretation or analysis based on isolated factors does not lend credence to the country's progress on its immunization program, it emphasised. PTI PLB RT RT RT RT This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.