Speed Post News Network
Patna: Bihar CM Niish Kumar on Wednesday claimed Ram Manohar Lohiya was the first leader who had started a movement for sanitation five decades back.
Speaking at a state government organised function to mark the death anniversary of Socialist leader at Lohiya Park in Kankarbagh Colony, Nitish said Lohiya had asked the then prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to construct toilets in villages as women had to go to fields for defecation. Lohiya launched the first Swachchata Abhiyan, Nitish said and added the state government has named its sanitation campaign after Lohiya.
Nitish said his government was fulfilling the programmes of Lohiya and gave enough funds for the welfare of women and youths. The CM claimed he too was inspired by the ideals of Lohiya.