The Swachhata Pakhwada 2026 was observed by the Department of Justice from 1 to 15 April. The fortnight aimed at reinforcing the spirit of a clean workplace and extending the ethos of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan among officers and staff.
Key Developments
- 1 April: Swachhata Pledge administered by Shri Niraj Verma to all officers and staff, reaffirming commitment to a clean India.
- Voluntary Shramdaan at Jaisalmer House premises, where personnel participated in cleaning activities.
- 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.
Important Facts
• Duration: 15 days (1‑15 April 2026).
• Leadership: Shri Niraj Verma, Secretary (Justice) oversaw the pledge ceremony.
• Participation: All officers and staff of the Department of Justice were involved in the pledge, Shramdaan, and subsequent awareness programmes.
UPSC Relevance
The event illustrates how central ministries operationalise flagship programmes like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at the departmental level. Understanding the role of the Department of Justice 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 Shri Niraj Verma underscores the importance of leadership in policy execution.
Way Forward
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 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aligning with the government’s vision of a clean India.