New Delhi [India], October 1 : The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday organised a voluntary cleanliness drive or shramdaan under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1 on Dr Rajendra Prasad Marg in New Delhi.
Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), led the cleanliness drive, with senior officials and staff of the Ministry participating in the activity.
Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Aradhana Patnaik; Additional Secretary and Director General, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Dr Rakesh Gupta; and Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Loveneesh G Krishna, were among the senior officials who participated in the drive.
The officials and staff took part in the activity as part of the campaign theme, ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’, reaffirming the emphasis on collective action and public participation in cleanliness initiatives.
Dr Rajiv Bahl highlighted the importance of making cleanliness a sustained collective effort and encouraged officials and citizens to actively contribute towards maintaining clean and healthy surroundings.
Aradhana Patnaik emphasised the role of Jan Bhagidari and individual responsibility in promoting cleanliness and creating healthier public spaces. She said sustained cleanliness requires active participation and responsible action by every individual.
The cleanliness drive formed part of the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign, which seeks to strengthen public participation and encourage citizens to contribute to cleanliness efforts across the country.
The campaign focuses on the idea that maintaining cleanliness is not only an institutional responsibility but also a shared societal commitment requiring sustained participation and collective action at the community level.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also reiterated its commitment to the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and highlighted the linkage between cleanliness, public health and healthy living.