The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has actively participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign, which commenced on September 17, 2026 across DST, its Autonomous Institutions and the offices of the Survey of India located across the country. The campaign aims to promote cleanliness, hygiene, dignity of sanitation workers and greater public participation towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

As part of the campaign, officials of the Department of Science and Technology took the Swachhata Pledge on September 18, 2026. The pledge was administered by the Secretary, DST, who urged all officials to actively participate in the campaign and contribute towards cleanliness, hygiene and a sustained culture of sanitation.

A series of cleanliness and awareness activities have been undertaken at the identified Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs), including Technology Bhawan and Vigyan Sadan. As part of the nationwide initiative “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath”, a Shramdaan activity was organised on October 1, 2026 at Vigyan Sadan, R.K. Puram, New Delhi.

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2026, the Secretary, DST, led a Shramdaan activity in the adjoining areas of Technology Bhawan. Officials and staff participated in the cleanliness drive, reaffirming their collective commitment towards maintaining clean and hygienic surroundings.

The campaign at DST also included activities aimed at promoting awareness, knowledge-sharing and the well-being of employees and sanitation workers. A special lecture on “Standardization & Research in Ayurveda: Pathways to Evidence-Based Practice,” was organised, exploring the linkages between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation. The 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 organised a financial awareness session through the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on September 23, 2026 for housekeeping staff as well as scientists, officers and officials of the Department. The initiative focused on enhancing financial awareness and supporting the overall well-being of the workforce.

The Department also organised a plantation drive on September 24, 2026, in which Secretary, DST, Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, along with officials, participated. The plantation activity reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to nurturing greener spaces, environmental sustainability and a cleaner future.

To encourage greater participation and awareness among employees, an Essay Competition was organised on September 28 2026 on the theme “Swachhata: A Responsibility, Not Just a Campaign.” The initiative encouraged participants to reflect on cleanliness as a shared responsibility and as an integral part of everyday life.

As part of Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir, the Secretary, DST, felicitated 110 Safai Mitras on September 29, 2026, recognising their valuable contribution towards maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the Department. The initiative highlighted the dignity of sanitation work and the important role played by Safai Mitras in creating clean and healthy workplaces.

A “Kabaad Se Kala” Rangoli Competition, along with a drawing and poster competition, was also organised on September 29, 2026. The activities encouraged employees to promote the principles of reuse, creativity and responsible waste management while spreading the message of cleanliness.

A Health Check-up Camp was organised on September 29, 2026 for employees of the Department, outsourced personnel and sanitary workers at the DST campus under the Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir. The initiative focused on the health and well-being of sanitation workers and other members of the support workforce.

Under the guidance of the Secretary, DST, the nodal officer for the campaign, Mrs. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, coordinated and encouraged the participation of Autonomous Institutions under DST and the offices of the Survey of India across the country to ensure effective implementation of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign.

Through these diverse initiatives, the Department of Science and Technology has sought to strengthen the message that Swachhata is not merely a campaign but a collective responsibility and a sustained way of life. The participation of officials, employees, Safai Mitras and associated institutions reflects DST’s continued commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, environmental sustainability and the dignity and well-being of sanitation workers.

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NKR/FT/AA

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