The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a voluntary cleanliness drive (shramdaan) under the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' campaign on October 1, 2026, near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1 on Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg in New Delhi. The event was led by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Senior officials including Smt. Aradhana Patnaik (Additional Secretary and Mission Director of National Health Mission), Dr. Rakesh Gupta (Additional Secretary and Director General of National AIDS Control Organisation), and Dr. Loveneesh G. Krishna (Director General of Health Services) participated along with other ministry staff.
The campaign emphasized the theme 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' (One Day, One Hour, Together) and focused on reinforcing collective action and jan bhagidari (public participation). Dr. Bahl highlighted the importance of making cleanliness a sustained collective effort and encouraged officials and citizens to maintain clean and healthy surroundings. Smt. Patnaik emphasized individual responsibility in promoting cleanliness and creating healthier public spaces, noting that sustained cleanliness requires active participation from every citizen.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to Swachh Bharat objectives and highlighted the close linkage between cleanliness, public health, and healthy living. The campaign seeks to strengthen public participation and encourage citizens to contribute actively to cleanliness efforts across the country, emphasizing that lasting cleanliness requires both institutional responsibility and shared societal commitment through sustained public participation and collective action at the community level.
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