Secy RDD chairs preparatory meeting for ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 Campaign’

SRINAGAR : Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad on Wednesday chaired a preparatory meeting with district officials to review arrangements for the upcoming “Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025” campaign, to be held from September 17 to October 2 across Jammu and Kashmir.
This year’s campaign, themed “Swachhotsav”, will focus on transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), cleanliness of public spaces, organization of Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs, eco-friendly festivities, and community-driven advocacy initiatives.
The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra, SEs REW Jammu/Kashmir, ACPs, and all Executive Engineers of REW.
Highlighting the campaign strategy, the Secretary emphasized the urgent mapping and transformation of CTUs, and directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for waste collection, transportation, and eco-friendly disposal. He urged active participation of NGOs, PSUs, and CSR partners in adopting CTUs, supporting beautification through tree plantations, murals, and public art installations.
A special focus of SHS 2025 will be the welfare of sanitation workers through ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs’, single-window health camps providing access to labor welfare schemes and Ayushman Bharat benefits. The Secretary stressed timely distribution of PPE kits and safety gear to safeguard workers’ health and dignity.
The campaign also encourages eco-friendly, single-use plastic-free festivities supported by cultural activities such as Swachhata Ki Rangoli, painting competitions, and community events at public and tourist locations.
On September 25, J&K will observe the nationwide “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan drive, wherein citizens, government departments, and community groups will jointly participate in a one-hour, UT-wide cleanliness campaign. All activities will be uploaded on the dedicated IT portal to ensure transparency and accountability.
Coinciding with Dussehra and culminating on Swachh Bharat Diwas (October 2), the fortnight-long campaign will include Prabhat Pheris, recognition of Safai Mitras, inaugurations of SBM-related infrastructure, and awards for best-performing local bodies and volunteers including NCC, NSS, NYKS, and My Bharat groups.