Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) commenced Special Campaign 6.0 on 2^nd October, 2026 with extensive cleanliness and sanitation activities across ICAR institutes and establishments located throughout the country. Marking the commencement of the campaign, officials of ICAR Headquarters actively participated in cleanliness drives at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Pusa, New Delhi. The campaign underscores the collective commitment of DARE and ICAR towards promoting clean and hygienic workplaces, encouraging public participation and fostering a sustained culture of cleanliness in line with the spirit of Swachhata.

As part of Special Campaign 6.0, DARE and ICAR institutes and establishments across the country undertook a range of cleanliness and sanitation activities, including cleanliness drives and Shramdaan in institutional premises, villages, roads, pathways and other identified areas. Special Gram Sabhas, Swachhata Sabhas and awareness programmes were organised to promote cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, waste management and community responsibility. Plogging activities were conducted for the collection and removal of litter and unwanted material from public and institutional spaces, while cleaned areas were further improved through plantation and greening initiatives, including activities under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. Dustbins were distributed and placed at identified locations to encourage responsible waste disposal and community participation. SafaiMitras, sanitation workers and volunteers were recognised and appreciated for their contribution towards sustaining cleanliness. The campaign also focused on the beautification and transformation of cleaned spaces, supported by before-and-after photographic documentation, while promoting sustainable practices such as vermicomposting of water hyacinth and systematic weeding and review of old files for appropriate disposal and record management. These initiatives resulted in enhanced community participation and collective ownership of cleanliness, improved cleanliness of institutional and public spaces, greater awareness of responsible waste disposal, integration of cleanliness with environmental sustainability through plantation and greening, and wider recognition of the contribution of SafaiMitras, sanitation workers and volunteers. The campaign also encouraged practical environmental and resource-management practices, including vermicomposting and systematic management of old records.

In ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CCARI), Goa, highlight of the occasion was the Shramik Samman, wherein Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji, felicitated Safai Mitras of ICAR–CCARI with shawls, bouquets and gifts, as a mark of appreciation for the dedicated services of all Safai Mitras who work throughout the year to maintain a clean and hygienic campus. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr.Pramod Sawant, appreciated the participation and efforts of ICAR–CCARI under Swachhata Hi Seva–2026. Union Minister of State Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Rajya Sabha Member Shri Sadanand Shet Tanawade also graced the occasion. The programme highlighted the spirit of Swachhata, Seva and Shramik Samman, recognising the invaluable contribution of Safai Mitras towards a cleaner and healthier environment.

The ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, observed Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2^nd October 2026 under the theme “Swachhta Mein Sahbhag – Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, with a series of cleanliness activities across the Institute and a call for sustained participation towards maintaining a clean and healthy institutional environment. A floral tribute was also paid to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

In his address, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR), Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, appreciated the cleanliness drive undertaken by ICAR-IARI and called for making Swachhata a year-round activity, with cleanliness programmes being undertaken in a team-based manner. He emphasised that cleanliness and a better workplace environment contribute to the overall well-being of employees and support the advancement of science and the health of people. Dr. Mangi Lal Jat also highlighted the importance of team building and creating a positive workplace environment, noting its relevance to both institutional functioning and mental well-being. He stressed the need for second-line leadership development, including handholding and mentoring future science leaders. He further emphasised the importance of nurturing students for their holistic development, enabling them to grow as responsible professionals and future contributors to science and society. Emphasising accountability in institutional functioning, he noted that every individual should remain responsible for their assigned work and contribute sincerely to the responsibilities entrusted to them.

As part of the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of the painting competition organised by the Post Graduate School Students’ Union, ICAR-IARI, during the Swachhata Abhiyaan. The competition provided students an opportunity to express their ideas on cleanliness and environmental responsibility through art.

At ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, as part of the Swachhta Special Campaign 6.0, a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and felicitation of Safai Mitras were organized. The programme commenced with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of Swachh Bharat Diwas.

As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, Swachh Bharat Diwas was celebrated at ICAR–CAFRI, Jhansi. The programme focused on promoting cleanliness, sanitation, community participation and responsible waste management. The activity highlighted the importance of collective action and Shramdaan in maintaining clean surroundings. The contribution of Safai Mitras and sanitation workers was also acknowledged, emphasising their important role in maintaining hygiene and sanitation. Participants were encouraged to adopt cleanliness as a regular practice and contribute towards maintaining clean and healthy surroundings. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to Swachhata, sustainable practices and collective responsibility.

As part of the “Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026” Encouraging staff and citizens to contribute one hour of voluntary Swachhata service (Shramdan) through a cleanliness drive & plant trees at the cleaned CTUs to nature urban green under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam was organized on 02.10.2026 behind the ATIC building and near the old Type III & IV quarters of ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram. The planting material of West Indian Cherry around 55 planted by the staff members and cleaned the area as well. A total of 85 staff members actively participated the program.

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