Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday urged that the ongoing Swachhta (cleanliness) campaign should increasingly adopt technology-driven solutions and ‘waste to wealth’ methodologies to build a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant India.
Speaking at an event marking the Special Campaign 5.0, Singh highlighted that citizen awareness is key to transforming Swachhta into a daily habit and social norm. He cited several successful initiatives where technology and innovation have redefined waste management.
Referring to a unique initiative by AIIMS, the Minister said that a specially designed van collects biomedical waste from laboratories and converts it into inert material, which is later recycled using advanced technology. Similarly, during the Kumbh Mela, treated wastewater was effectively reused for irrigation, setting an example of sustainable waste treatment practices.
“These initiatives showcase how Swachhta can be seen through the prism of technology and innovation, enabling India to move toward self-reliance,” Singh said.
Emphasizing the importance of recycling and resource recovery, the Minister stated that e-waste reprocessing and recycling can play a pivotal role in creating wealth from waste. He noted that the Special Campaign 5.0 has catalysed a shift toward integrating digital innovations such as e-filing systems, dashboard-based monitoring, and technology-enabled waste management solutions that improve efficiency and transparency in governance.
Highlighting another example of sustainable innovation, Singh said that the recycling of used cooking oil not only prevents health hazards caused by reuse but also produces ethanol, contributing to India’s biofuel economy. “Such self-reliant initiatives help India reduce dependency on imports and strengthen indigenous technologies,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring the effective and impactful implementation of Special Campaign 5.0, which focuses on cleanliness, efficiency, transparency, and improved service delivery across government offices.
The Government of India’s Special Campaign 5.0, being observed from October 2 to October 31, 2025, aims to promote cleanliness and reduce pendency across all ministries and departments. Building upon the achievements of previous editions, this year’s campaign seeks to mainstream technology and innovation in achieving sustainable cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
