Jammu: Eighty-seven-year-old Rekha Devi, a Swacch Bharat Mission activist who had to build a toilet at her home with mud and stones, would now get a concrete facility as authorities here provided financial assistance to her today.

A resident of Jammu and Kashmir’s Badali village, Rekha earlier was also mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her efforts in his address to the nation.

Inspired by the nationwide Swaachta campaign, she had played a significant role in making her village open defecation free (ODF).

Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur,Ravinder Kumar handed over the financial assistance of Rs 12,000 to the octogenarian for construction of a concrete toilet during his visit to the village today, an official spokesman said.

Terming Devi an inspiration for other women of the village, Kumar appreciated her efforts. He also urged the women folk to come forward and contribute their bit in keeping the village clean and green.

Only the collective efforts could help in making all the villages ODF, he said.

(Business Standard)