The Ministry of Minority Affairs observed Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 in New Delhi, today in the presence of Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju. The programme included a Swachhata Pledge, Shramdaan and a tree plantation drive.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rijiju emphasised that cleanliness must be treated as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time exercise. He said that while existing waste needs to be cleaned, equal emphasis must be placed on creating awareness so that people do not litter in the first place. He further stressed that cleanliness is a collective responsibility and should not be viewed as the responsibility of sanitation workers alone.

“Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility. It is not enough to speak about cleanliness; it must be brought into our everyday conduct,” the Minister said, while underlining the need to take cleanliness forward in mission mode.

Referring to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Rijiju noted that the Swachh Bharat Mission has generated widespread awareness regarding cleanliness across the country. He called for sustained public participation to further strengthen the movement and make cleanliness a part of everyday behaviour.

As part of the programme, Shri Rijiju administered the Swachhata Pledge. Participants resolved to remain personally committed to cleanliness, devote time to Shramdaan, begin the effort from their homes, neighbourhoods and workplaces, and encourage others to contribute towards building a cleaner India. The pledge also recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean and developed India.

Linking cleanliness with environmental conservation, the Minister also highlighted the importance of tree plantation and referred to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. He said that the campaign encourages every individual to plant at least one tree in the name of their mother, thereby connecting environmental responsibility with a deeply respected personal bond.

Shri Rijiju also noted that ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ has gained recognition beyond India. Recalling a recent visit to Europe, he said that during a plantation programme in Belgrade, ministers from other countries told him that they were aware of the campaign being undertaken in India.

The Minister thereafter participated in the Shramdaan and tree plantation drive along with officers and officials of the Ministry.

The occasion also marked the culmination of Hindi Pakhwada observed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Addressing the gathering, Shri Rijiju highlighted the importance of Hindi and other Indian languages and emphasised the need to take pride in one’s mother tongue while respecting India’s rich linguistic diversity.

Speaking on the occasion, the Principal of Dyal Singh College highlighted the importance of individual civic behaviour in sustaining cleanliness and called upon citizens to contribute actively to the national resolve for a clean India.

The programme reflected the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ continued commitment towards promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation, civic responsibility and public participation in furtherance of the vision of a Swachh Bharat.

 

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