Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Science and Technology PIB Delhi Read the original release on pib.gov.in
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has actively participated in the Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign. The campaign launched on September 17, 2026, through the Department of Science and Technology, its autonomous institutions and Survey of India offices across the country. The objective of this campaign is to promote greater public participation in cleanliness, hygiene, respect for sanitation workers and creating a clean and healthy environment.
Under this campaign, officials of the Department of Science and Technology took the oath of cleanliness on September 18, 2026. The pledge was administered by the Secretary, DST Department, who urged all the officers to actively participate in the campaign and contribute to the culture of cleanliness, hygiene and cleanliness.
A series of cleanliness and awareness activities have been conducted in the identified Sanitation Target Units (CTUs), including Technology Buildings and Vigyan Sadans. Under the nationwide initiative “One Day, One Hour, Ek Saath”, Shramdaan program was organized on 1st October, 2026 at Vigyan Sadan, RK Puram, New Delhi.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2026, Secretary, Department of State and Technology (DST) led the Shramdaan campaign in the areas around Technology Bhawan. The officers and employees reiterated their collective commitment towards maintaining a clean and hygienic environment by participating in the cleanliness drive.
The campaign conducted across the Department of Health and Technology also included activities aimed at promoting awareness, knowledge-sharing and well-being among employees and sanitation workers. A special lecture was organized on the topic ‘Standardization and Research in Ayurveda: Evidence-Based Practice Pathways’, which explored the relationship between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation. This lecture was delivered by Dr. Raghavendra Naik, Scientist, Department of AYUSH, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
Under the Safai Mitra Suraksha initiative, the Department organized a financial awareness session for the house keeping staff as well as scientists, officers and employees of the Department through the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on September 23, 2026. The aim of this initiative was to increase financial awareness and ensure the overall well-being of employees.
The department also organized a tree plantation drive on September 24, 2026, which was attended by Professor Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and other officials. This tree planting activity further strengthened the Department's commitment towards nurturing green areas, environmental sustainability and a clean future.
With an aim to increase employee participation and awareness, an essay competition on the topic “Swachhata: A Responsibility, Not Just a Campaign” was organized on 28 September 2026. The initiative inspired the participants to understand cleanliness as a shared responsibility and an integral part of daily life.
Under the Safai Mitra Safety and Recognition Camp, the Secretary, Science and Technology, on September 29, 2026, honored 110 Safai Mitras who have made significant contributions in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the department. The initiative highlighted the importance of sanitation work and the vital role played by Safai Mitras in creating clean and healthy workplaces.
“Art from Junk” Rangoli competition along with a painting and poster competition was also organized on 29th September, 2026. These activities encouraged employees to spread the message of cleanliness as well as promote the principles of reuse, creativity and responsible waste management.
Under Safai Mitra Suraksha Camp, a health check-up camp was organized at DST premises on 29 September, 2026 for the employees of the department, outsourced workers and sweepers. The aim of this initiative was to focus on the health and well-being of sanitation workers and other members of the support workforce.
Under the guidance of Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, the nodal officer of the campaign, Smt. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary coordinated and encouraged the participation of autonomous institutions under DST and Survey of India across the country to ensure effective implementation of the Swachhta Hi Seva 2026 campaign.
Through these various initiatives, the Department of Science & Technology has tried to reinforce the message that cleanliness is not just a campaign but a collective responsibility and an ongoing part of lifestyle. The participation of officers, employees, Safai Mitras and associated institutions reflects DST's continued commitment towards cleanliness, hygiene, environmental sustainability and dignity and welfare of Safai Karmacharis.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.