Dr Jitendra For Adopting Innovative Methods To Transform ‘Swachhata’ Into Mass Movement

NEW DELHI : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, called upon ministries and departments to transform the Government’s ongoing cleanliness initiative into a mass movement that combines public participation, innovation and private sector engagement.
At a high-level review meeting on the implementation of Special Campaign 5.0, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic efforts and institutionalize cleanliness, space optimization, and record management as part of day-to-day governance. “We should integrate technology, community engagement, and private sector collaboration to ensure that the campaign sustains itself throughout the year,” he said.

The Minister supported the idea of leveraging corporate partnerships and MSME collaborations through NASSCOM to bring innovative waste management solutions, particularly in urban clusters, hotels, and government establishments. He noted that the integration of digital technologies and smart recycling models, such as automated waste segregation and electronic scrap management, across ministries and sections of society, which could not only improve operational efficiency but also generate new livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of sharing best practices across ministries, suggesting that successful cleanliness models—from public spaces to educational campuses—be documented and disseminated nationally through a central repository. He also called for the identification of innovative initiatives such as electronic file disposal, smart waste reuse, and repurposing cleared government land to set new governance benchmarks.
The Minister observed that the involvement of youth and women could lend renewed energy and creativity to the campaign. “When young people and women join the movement, it becomes more vibrant and impactful,” he remarked, urging that Swachhata messages be amplified through schools, colleges, and My Bharat volunteers to foster a culture of collective responsibility.

Referring to the success of past editions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the Special Campaign had evolved from a short-term cleanliness drive to a transformative governance model promoting efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric administration. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustaining this momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and announced that innovative best practices emerging from the campaign would be shared with States, PSUs, and autonomous bodies.

Earlier in his address, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, underscored the importance of behavioural change and youth participation in realizing the vision of “Swachh Bharat”. He suggested appointing student and youth ambassadors from across colleges and universities to spread awareness and motivate communities to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their surroundings.

The meeting was attended by V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, Sarita Chuhan, Joint-Secretary, DARPG, and other senior officials from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and representatives from allied departments and partner organizations.