Special Swachhata Campaign 6.0 Launch and Objectives
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the Implementation Phase of Special Swachhata Campaign 6.0 across the Personnel, Science & Technology, and Earth Sciences Ministries. The campaign, which runs from October 2 to October 31, 2026, represents an evolution of the Swachhata initiative from a cleanliness drive into a sustained culture of good governance, efficient resource utilization, pendency reduction, and responsible waste management. The campaign focuses on Swachhata, reduction of pendency, review and weeding of records, efficient utilization of office space, scientific disposal of e-waste and redundant material, and improved record management across government offices.
Financial and Operational Achievements
Over the last five years, the Swachhata campaigns have generated significant financial and operational results. A total of ₹5,102.91 crore has been generated through disposal of e-waste and scrap. Additionally, more than 1,049.54 lakh square feet of office space has been cleared and put to productive use. The campaign has also resulted in the closure or weeding out of more than 180.48 lakh files and identification and cleaning of 24.20 lakh cleanliness sites across the country.
Institutional Participation and Implementation
The campaign is being implemented as a whole-of-government effort with participation from over 100 science institutions. Activities were conducted at multiple locations including DoPT-DARPG, CSIR Headquarters, and Ministry of Earth Sciences. At the Ministry of Earth Sciences specifically, 705 items of e-waste and obsolete equipment from Prithvi Bhavan and Mausam Bhavan were identified for disposal. The campaign includes Shramdaan (voluntary labor), plantation under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, weeding out of old records, and felicitation of Safai Mitras with safety kits.
Waste-to-Wealth Technologies and Scientific Approach
The CSIR portfolio includes advanced waste management technologies that transform waste disposal into resource recovery and value creation. These technologies encompass municipal solid-waste management, plastic waste recycling, recovery of critical metals and rare earth elements from e-waste, lithium-ion battery recycling, biomethanation, conversion of agro-waste into biodegradable products, wastewater resource recovery, and utilization of industrial waste for value-added products. These technologies have been transferred to industry and other organizations for application and further development, representing a shift from mere disposal to resource recovery, innovation, and wealth creation.
Leadership and Institutional Framework
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, led the launch. Senior officials including Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma (Secretary, DARPG), Smt. Rachna Shah (Secretary, DoPT), Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde (Director General, NCGG), Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR), Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare (Secretary, DST), and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (Secretary, DBT) participated in the various launch activities. DARPG serves as the nodal department for the Special Campaign.