Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a virtual meeting with senior officials to emphasize that cleanliness should become an integral part of everyday public behavior rather than remaining confined to campaign periods. He directed officials to ensure active public participation, behavioral change, and measurable outcomes in cleanliness activities, stressing that sustained efforts are essential to make cleanliness a lasting practice across institutions and communities.
The Minister specifically emphasized that Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 requires extensive public participation to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. He directed officers to prioritize cleanliness within their work areas and take personal initiative rather than treating it as merely an official requirement. Particular focus was placed on connecting rural areas, panchayats, and field-level offices with cleanliness activities while ensuring participation of farmers, rural communities, sanitation workers, and media stakeholders.
Departments reported generating approximately ₹15 lakh revenue through disposal and auction of old furniture and electronic waste as part of cleanliness activities conducted from September 16 to October 2, 2026. Activities included cleanliness pledges, Swachh Pathshala programs, solid waste management, intensive cleaning of office premises, and honoring sanitation workers with health check-ups and activities for their children.
For the Special Campaign scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026, all departments set targets for disposal of pending files and cases, reduction of pending matters, disposal of scrap and e-waste, better utilization of office space, and removal of unusable material. Unused computers, printers, and electronic equipment will be identified and processed for disposal according to prescribed rules, with regular progress reviews and documentation of achievements.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) reported conducting large-scale cleanliness campaigns at Pusa campus with participation from officers, employees, and students, with similar activities across all ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The KVK network is being utilized to connect farmers and rural communities with cleanliness, waste management, and environmental awareness initiatives.
Minister Chouhan concluded by emphasizing that success should be measured through behavioral change, public participation, and sustainable outcomes rather than just physical cleaning of premises, with the ultimate objective of making cleanliness an enduring part of daily life and public behavior.