Aizawl, Jan 30 (IANS): The Congress-ruled Mizoram government Friday launched a massive state-wide cleanliness programme in order to make it the cleanest state in India.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla launched the programme - "Mizoram Faina Beihpui Hnatlang" (mass voluntary movement for cleanliness) - in Aizawl.

Thanhawla, accompanied by local leaders wielding brooms, cleaned the city and asked the people to do the same in their localities.

"We would make our state the cleanest in the country," the chief minister said.

While people cleaned their own residences, members of the state's leading NGO (Young Mizo Association), local volunteers, students and teachers took to cleaning streets, public places and drains.

Government employees also swept their respective office complexes and adjoining streets.

"The programme would not be a one-day affair, this is a continual effort, especially in the health and educational institutions," director of state school education department H. Lalengmawia told reporters.

He said that the cleanliness programme commenced concurrently in all district, sub-divisional, block headquarters and villages across the state.