Dr. Jitendra Singh Reviews Preparations for 'Special Campaign 6.0'; Science Departments Target 1,500 Cleanliness Sites
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the implementation of Special Campaign 6.0, under which science ministries and departments have set a target of 1,500 cleanliness drive sites.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, reviewed the preparations, implementation, and timelines for 'Special Campaign 6.0' with various science ministries and departments. Under this campaign, the science ministries and departments have set a total target of 1,500 cleanliness drive sites, with the Ministry of Earth Sciences alone tasked with conducting drives at 100 sites.
The primary objective of this campaign is to achieve direct results in cleanliness, maximize the utilization of available office space, ensure the systematic disposal of useless materials, and optimize the use of government resources. Special emphasis will be placed on the effective collection, segregation, and scientific disposal of e-waste. During the review, discussions were held regarding the possibilities of using scientific and technical capabilities to recycle e-waste and create value from defunct equipment. This includes the systematic identification of e-waste, item-wise reporting, and disposal through producers and recyclers.
Following a preparatory phase in September, Special Campaign 6.0 will be implemented from October 2 to October 31, 2026. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) is monitoring the progress of all ministries and departments and updating the portal through a shared digital platform. Dr. Jitendra Singh himself will participate in the cleanliness drive, e-waste segregation, and the campaign to destroy old files on October 2.
During the review meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh also evaluated budgetary expenditures. He praised the Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which completed approximately 50 percent of their expenditure by September 30, in line with the set targets. The Minister reviewed the quarterly expenditure and implementation status to ensure continuous progress according to the campaign's timeline.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the respective departments, including Professor Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST); Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of DSIR and Director General of CSIR; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT); and Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary of DARPG.
