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 and establishments nationwide. The campaign commenced with 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 about cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management; plogging activities for litter collection; 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. Chief Minister of Goa Dr. 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.
ICAR-IARI New Delhi observed Swachh Bharat Diwas 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 emphasized making Swachhata a year-round activity, team building, second-line leadership development, and accountability in institutional functioning. Prizes were distributed to winners of a painting competition organized by the Post Graduate School Students' Union.
ICAR-NAARM Hyderabad organized a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and felicitation of Safai Mitras, while ICAR-CAFRI Jhansi promoted cleanliness, sanitation, and community participation. ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute organized a cleanliness drive and planted 55 West Indian Cherry plants with participation of 85 staff members.