The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched Special Campaign 6.0 on October 2, 2026, with extensive cleanliness and sanitation activities across all ICAR institutes nationwide. The campaign commenced with officials participating in cleanliness drives at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi, promoting clean workplaces, public participation, and sustained cleanliness culture in line with Swachhata principles.
Activities included cleanliness drives and Shramdaan in institutional premises, villages, roads, and pathways; special Gram Sabhas and Swachhata Sabhas for awareness on cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management; plogging activities for litter removal; plantation and greening initiatives under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign; distribution of dustbins at identified locations; and recognition of Safai Mitras, sanitation workers, and volunteers. The campaign also focused on beautification of cleaned spaces, vermicomposting of water hyacinth, and systematic weeding and review of old files for disposal.
At ICAR-CCARI in Goa, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan felicitated Safai Mitras with shawls, bouquets, and gifts, recognizing their year-round services in maintaining clean campuses. Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant appreciated ICAR-CCARI's efforts under Swachhata Hi Seva-2026, with Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik and Rajya Sabha Member Sadanand Shet Tanawade also attending.
At ICAR-IARI New Delhi, Swachh Bharat Diwas was observed under the theme Swachhta Mein Sahbhag – Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat, with cleanliness activities and floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) Dr. Mangi Lal Jat called for making Swachhata a year-round team-based activity, emphasizing that cleanliness contributes to employee well-being, science advancement, and mental health. He stressed second-line leadership development, student nurturing, and accountability in institutional functioning. Painting competition prizes were distributed to PG School Students' Union winners.
ICAR-NAARM Hyderabad organized tribute to Gandhi and felicitation of Safai Mitras, while ICAR-CAFRI Jhansi promoted cleanliness, sanitation, and community participation with acknowledgment of Safai Mitras' role. ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute organized Shramdan and planted 55 West Indian Cherry plants with 85 staff participants.