Hand Washing Day was observed today with the message to spread the awareness among the people about its importance in maintaining good health and hygiene. The Minister of State for Rural Development, Ms. Agatha Sangma took the lead as she administered pledge to the children and teachers at a function in New Delhi to work for the promotion of sanitation and hygiene . Presiding over the function ,the Minister stressed the need to ensure the availability of hand washing facility on regular basis in all the schools as well as sanitation facility along with the emphasis on hygiene.The focus Of Hand Washing Day this year is on teachers who have been oriented for this purpose to ensure that all children wash their hands with soap or with other cleaning material before they eat their mid-day meal .