Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Oct 1 : Rs 3,296.71 crore has been generated from the disposal of e-waste and scrap, while over 696.27 lakh sq. ft. of office space has been cleared and put to productive use, highlighted Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, while launching “Special Swachhta Campaign 5.0 “ of Government of India at Nehru Park, here.
The Minister further noted that more than 137.86 lakh files have been closed or weeded out, and as many as 12.04 lakh cleanliness sites have been identified and cleaned across the country—reflecting the far-reaching impact of the Special Campaign.
Dr Jitendra Singh commended the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and allied departments for their exemplary role in driving these outcomes.
At Nehru Park, Dr. Jitendra Singh personally led Shramdaan activities, a Plantation Drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, and the weeding out of old files. These actions, he said, symbolize the Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, civic responsibility, efficiency, transparency, and good governance.
Calling the Special Campaign a “unique success story of governance in Independent India,” Dr. Singh stated that the Implementation Phase beginning from 2nd October 2025 will institutionalise cleanliness drives, streamline administrative processes, and optimise public services across government offices.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming cleanliness into a people’s movement.
“The Prime Minister’s clarion call from the Red Fort inspired a spontaneous voluntary effort that transcended government boundaries, turning Swachhata into a behavioural revolution across homes, neighbourhoods, and communities,” he remarked.
“Today, cleanliness is not just a Government directive but a core value embraced by every citizen. Rarely does a Government campaign become so deeply ingrained in the psyche of the people,” he added.
In a moving gesture, Dr. Jitendra Singh honoured “Safai Mitras” by distributing safety kits and sweets, acknowledging their selfless contribution.
“Our Safai Mitras are at the heart of this campaign. Their dedication is an example of true public service,” he said.
He emphasised that their role has been central in ensuring that cleanliness initiatives translate into visible impact on the ground.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that during the preparatory phase (15–30 September 2025), Ministries and Departments uploaded ambitious targets for the Implementation Phase beginning 2nd October 2025. Records due for review have already been identified and transferred to the officers concerned, while nodal officers have inspected record rooms for historical preservation.
The National Archives of India has curated an exhibition “Sushasan aur Abhilekh” showcasing historically valuable records accessed during Special Campaigns 1.0–4.0, which will open on 10th October 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
The Special Campaign 5.0 reaffirms the Government’s unwavering commitment to Swachhata, transparency, efficiency, and Jan Bhagidari. As it enters the implementation stage, it carries forward Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of cleanliness and collective responsibility, while embodying the vision of a New India driven by civic sense, sustainability, and good governance.
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