Swati Maliwal Raises Civic Sense and Cleanliness Issue in Parliament, Calls for Strict Penalties

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal highlighted the issue of public cleanliness in the upper house of Parliament, emphasizing that while governments have often failed to maintain hygiene, a lack of civic sense among some citizens further aggravates the problem.

Speaking in the house, Maliwal pointed out that littering on streets, cutting queues in metros, public urination, leaving garbage at tourist sites, consuming alcohol on car roofs, and creating noise or chaos in public spaces have sadly become common sights.

Sharing a video of her speech on her social media, she wrote, “The question isn’t only about government action, it’s about our mindset. The country will change when our thinking changes. Teaching civic sense in schools is crucial. Strict fines and enforcement against those violating public cleanliness rules are necessary. Only then can we truly achieve a clean and civilized India.”

Is Cleanliness Only the Government’s Responsibility?

Maliwal stressed that while municipal corporations and state governments bear responsibility for overflowing garbage and non-functional public toilets, maintaining cleanliness cannot rest solely with them. “We all keep our homes clean, yet once we step out, some act as if public spaces aren’t their own,” she said.

Civic Sense Matters

She cited examples of littering in parks, throwing empty water bottles and chip packets on roads, spitting gutkha, and pushing in metro queues. Maliwal also mentioned the careless behavior of people in tourist areas, including loud music, reckless driving, and littering from expensive vehicles. “When we visit other countries, we admire their cleanliness. It’s not that they have different people; they have a different mindset. In Japan, children clean their own classrooms because they consider public spaces as their own,” she explained.

Praise for North-East States

Maliwal lauded the North-East states for their disciplined behavior — no red-light jumping, no honking, no chaos, and zero plastic during festivals. She added that viral videos of mismanagement and littering damage India’s global image.

Cleanliness Is Patriotism

Concluding her speech, Maliwal said most Indians are good citizens, but some need a change in thinking. She urged that civic sense be included in school curricula, violations of rules be met with fines, and enforcement be carried out honestly. “Maintaining cleanliness is a matter of patriotism,” she stated.