The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently organised a voluntary cleanliness drive, known as shramdaan, as part of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ initiative. This event took place on October 1, 2026, near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1, located on Dr Rajendra Prasad Marg in New Delhi.

The cleanliness drive was led by Dr Rajiv Bahl, who serves as the Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). He was accompanied by senior officials and staff from the Ministry, demonstrating a strong commitment to the cleanliness campaign.

Among those present were Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Aradhana Patnaik; Additional Secretary and Director General of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Dr Rakesh Gupta; and Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Loveneesh G Krishna. The event underscored the collective responsibility towards maintaining cleanliness.

Importance of Collective Action

The officials and staff participated in the drive aligned with the campaign’s theme, ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’, highlighting the necessity of collective action and public involvement in cleanliness initiatives. Dr Rajiv Bahl articulated the significance of cleanliness as a sustained communal endeavour and called upon both officials and citizens to join in maintaining clean and healthy environments.

Aradhana Patnaik reiterated the idea of Jan Bhagidari, or community participation, emphasising the crucial role of individual responsibility in fostering cleanliness and creating healthier public spaces. She stressed that ongoing cleanliness efforts require the active engagement and responsible actions of every person in society.

The emphasis on collective participation reflects an understanding that cleanliness goes beyond mere institutional duties; it represents a communal obligation that necessitates sustained teamwork at the local level. This initiative aims to foster a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility within communities.

Support for Swachh Bharat Mission

This cleanliness drive is part of the broader ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign, which aims to bolster public involvement in cleanliness efforts nationwide. The campaign advocates that maintaining cleanliness is a shared concern that requires long-term commitment and cooperation at all societal levels.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reaffirmed its dedication to the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which aims to enhance public health through improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Officials highlighted the interconnection between cleanliness, public health, and healthy living, illustrating how cleanliness initiatives directly impact the well-being of communities.

The ongoing campaign underlines the importance of creating a cleaner environment as a foundational element for healthier living. By encouraging citizens to participate actively, the Ministry aims to cultivate a strong sense of responsibility towards cleanliness that will benefit future generations.

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