New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised efforts made towards keeping India clean.

Speaking on his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat', Modi congratulated government officials from Harda district in Madhya Pradesh for their 'Mallyudh' (a sanitation programme).

"They have given a new meaning to 'Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan'. A brother gifting his sister a toilet on 'Raksha Bandhan', and the one who does so becoming 'brother number one' has given a new direction to the (cleanliness) mission," he said.

Modi also appreciated the efforts of villagers in Rajanand district of Chhattisgarh.

"In Kresha village n Rajanand, people have built toilets. Now nobody goes out for defecation," he said, adding he was very happy for the changes taking place.

(IANS)