<p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Swachhata Pakhwada — A fortnight-long cleanliness drive organized by ministries to promote hygiene and waste management (GS2: Polity)">Swachhata Pakhwada</span> 2026 was observed by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Department of Justice — The administrative wing of the Ministry of Law and Justice responsible for policy implementation and judicial administration (GS2: Polity)">Department of Justice</span> from 1 to 15 April. The fortnight aimed at reinforcing the spirit of a clean workplace and extending the ethos of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan — National Clean India Mission launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness (GS2: Polity)">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</span> among officers and staff.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>1 April: <strong>Swachhata Pledge</strong> administered by <span class="key-term" data-definition="Shri Niraj Verma — Secretary (Justice) of the Ministry of Law and Justice, senior bureaucrat overseeing justice department initiatives (GS2: Polity)">Shri Niraj Verma</span> to all officers and staff, reaffirming commitment to a clean India.</li> <li>Voluntary <strong>Shramdaan</strong> at <span class="key-term" data-definition="Jaisalmer House — Official residence/office complex of the Department of Justice in New Delhi, often used for departmental events (GS2: Polity)">Jaisalmer House</span> premises, where personnel participated in cleaning activities.</li> <li>Complementary events: a yoga session, a workshop on cleanliness, essay‑writing and drawing competitions on the theme of Swachhata, and segregation of obsolete items followed by an auction.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>• Duration: 15 days (1‑15 April 2026).<br/>• Leadership: <strong>Shri Niraj Verma, Secretary (Justice)</strong> oversaw the pledge ceremony.<br/>• Participation: All officers and staff of the Department of Justice were involved in the pledge, Shramdaan, and subsequent awareness programmes.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>The event illustrates how central ministries operationalise flagship programmes like the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan — National Clean India Mission launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness (GS2: Polity)">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</span> at the departmental level. Understanding the role of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Department of Justice — The administrative wing of the Ministry of Law and Justice responsible for policy implementation and judicial administration (GS2: Polity)">Department of Justice</span> and its coordination with the Ministry of Law and Justice helps aspirants answer questions on governance, inter‑ministerial collaboration, and implementation of national missions (GS2). The involvement of senior bureaucrats such as <span class="key-term" data-definition="Shri Niraj Verma — Secretary (Justice) of the Ministry of Law and Justice, senior bureaucrat overseeing justice department initiatives (GS2: Polity)">Shri Niraj Verma</span> underscores the importance of leadership in policy execution.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Future editions may expand to include digital monitoring of waste segregation, inter‑departmental competitions, and community outreach beyond the ministry premises. Strengthening the link between such internal drives and broader public participation can enhance the impact of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan — National Clean India Mission launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness (GS2: Polity)">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</span>, aligning with the government’s vision of a clean India.</p>