Mapusa, August 16 (Agencies): Deputy chief minister Francis D'Souza urged the people of Goa, in his Independence Day address at Mapusa, on Saturday, to make the state the cleanest across the world by contributing to the Swachh Goa campaign.

"Tourists come to Goa to see a clean Goa. Goa and India should be cleaned. People should not rely on the government alone to keep the state clean, but should take care of their waste on an individual level," D'Souza said while addressing the gathering at the government office complex in Bardez.

"Goa has improved with regard to the tackling of the infant mortality rate and health care, but it should also have all-round development," D'Souza said. The latest Union health ministry data states that Goa recorded the lowest infant mortality rate — 10 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

"I think healthy debates should take place in the assembly and the parliament in the interest of democracy and development," he said.

Freedom fighters, former MLAs, councillors and government officers attended the Independence Day function. Rupa Bhakta, MMC chairperson, said that the council is undertaking 5 crore developmental works in each ward and that will only be possible with the support of the locals.

Head clerk Hussein Khan was felicitated, while Nazira Sayed was rewarded as an outstanding employee. Two sweepers were felicitated for their services too.