The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, observed Swachhata Pakhwada from September 1 to 15, 2026, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The initiative was conducted in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision for "Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat," emphasizing cleanliness, hygiene, and collective responsibility for maintaining clean surroundings.
The campaign commenced on September 1, 2026, with Secretary Shri Manoj Joshi administering the Swachhata pledge to department officers. Activities included cleanliness drives at workstations and office premises, with senior officers and staff led by Joint Secretary Shri Aman Sharma undertaking Shramdaan at Janpath Bhawan Market in New Delhi. The department conducted a comprehensive review of old and redundant items including furniture, fixtures, and electronic equipment for repair, disposal, and systematic management, along with a pest-control drive at offices.
All seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) participated actively, organizing campus cleanliness drives involving faculty, students, and staff, with some campuses also conducting plantation activities. Public Sector Undertakings under the department conducted Swachhata drives at various locations. The Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India extended the cleanliness campaign to Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, reinforcing the message that clean surroundings are essential for public health and well-being.
The initiative brought together officers, employees, students, faculty members, and others in a collective effort toward cleanliness, reaffirming the spirit of "Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat" and underscoring the importance of sustained participation and responsible practices for creating cleaner workplaces and communities.