The Ministry of Textiles successfully concluded its participation in the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign, which ran from September 17 to October 2, 2026, coinciding with Swachh Bharat Diwas and Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The campaign involved active participation from various organizations, institutions, and field formations under the Ministry, focusing on strengthening cleanliness, public participation, and collective responsibility through multiple initiatives.
Key activities included the transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), clean public places initiatives, and the 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' Shramdaan collective action program. The campaign emphasized waste segregation and the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (RRR) model through awareness and demonstration activities. Specific waste management activities included 'Kabaad se Jugaad' and 'Kabaad se Kala' creative recycling drives across various campuses.
The program featured Swachhata Pledge ceremonies, Shramdaan (voluntary labor), and tree plantation under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. The concluding plantation activity at NIFT Delhi on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti was led by Secretary (Textiles) Smt. Neelam Shami Rao (also referred to as Neelam Shamirao in the document) and joined by senior ministry officials. The campaign engaged weavers from Shahpur, Rampur, and Bijnour Cluster who participated in Swachhta pledges and sample maintenance activities.
Educational components included 'Swachh Paathshala – Yuva for Swachhata' initiatives to engage youth and students, promoting cleanliness as a habit. Special focus was given to 'Safai Mitra Suraksha evam Samman Shivir' for the safety, health, dignity, and welfare of sanitation workers. Additional activities included health and hygiene workshops conducted by Dr. Neha Rajput, poster making competitions, no plastic use awareness programs, and essay writing competitions on Swachhta Hi Sewa.
The Ministry and its organizations conducted widespread public awareness programs on cleanliness, hygiene, waste management, and environmental sustainability, promoting these activities through digital platforms and the Swachhata Hi Seva portal. The campaign reinforced the message that cleanliness requires sustained collective action and active public participation, with the Ministry reaffirming its commitment to continuing these initiatives beyond the campaign period.