In a bold initiative aimed at elevating the ongoing cleanliness campaign in India, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, has urged ministries and departments to turn the Government’s cleanliness initiative into a mass movement. During a high-level review meeting on the Special Campaign 5.0, held on [date], Singh emphasized the necessity of combining public participation, innovation, and private sector engagement to transcend symbolic actions and achieve substantial results.
“We should integrate technology, community engagement, and private sector collaboration to ensure that the campaign sustains itself throughout the year,” Dr. Singh stated, stressing that institutionalizing cleanliness and efficient record management should become integral to day-to-day governance.
The Minister advocated for the involvement of corporate partnerships and MSME collaborations through NASSCOM. He highlighted the potential for innovative waste management solutions in urban clusters, hotels, and government establishments. By fostering the integration of digital technologies and smart recycling models, including automated waste segregation and electronic scrap management, the initiative could not only enhance operational efficiency but also unlock new livelihood opportunities for citizens.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also underscored the need for sharing best practices across various ministries. He recommended documenting successful cleanliness models from public spaces to educational campuses for national dissemination through a central repository. Furthermore, he called for identifying innovative initiatives like electronic file disposal, smart waste reuse, and repurposing cleared government land to set new governance benchmarks.
Recognizing the vibrant energy that youth and women can contribute, Singh remarked, “When young people and women join the movement, it becomes more vibrant and impactful.” He urged the amplification of Swachhata messages through schools, colleges, and My Bharat volunteers to cultivate a culture of shared responsibility towards cleanliness and hygiene.
Reflecting on the success of previous campaigns, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the Special Campaign had transformed from a short-term cleanliness drive into a transformative governance model. This model prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric administration. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining this momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing plans to share innovative practices emerging from the campaign with States, PSUs, and autonomous bodies.
Another key speaker at the meeting, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, echoed the theme of behavioural change and youth participation in realising the vision of a “Swachh Bharat.” He proposed appointing student and youth ambassadors from colleges and universities to promote awareness and motivate communities to uphold cleanliness and hygiene in their surroundings.
The review meeting also saw participation from senior officials of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), including Secretary V. Srinivas and Joint Secretary Sarita Chuhan. Representatives from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with partner organizations, joined forces to advance the objectives outlined in the campaign.
