Ministry of Ports Launches Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

Ministry of Ports Launches Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

Why in the News ?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign in New Delhi. Running till 2nd October, the campaign aims to promote cleanliness, environmental responsibility, and citizen participation, with the theme Swachhotsav – Cleanliness as a Community Festival. This initiative aligns with constitutional safeguards and respects the autonomy of religious institutions.

Campaign Highlights and Objectives:

  • The campaign was inaugurated with the Swachhata Pledge administered to officials and staff of the Ministry, emphasizing constitutional morality and respect for religious freedom. 
  • It will run until Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October), symbolising a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness, while adhering to the principles of separation of powers. 
  • Focus is on cleanliness drives across ministry premises, ports, and associated institutions, including waqf properties where applicable. 
  • The theme “Swachhotsav” encourages community-driven efforts, treating cleanliness as a collective celebration, ensuring community representation from all religious backgrounds. 
  • Emphasis is laid on citizen participation, making it a Jan Andolan (people’s movement), in line with constitutional provisions for inclusive governance. 

Community Participation and Broader Impact

  • Encourages citizens, NGOs, schools, and institutions to actively participate in cleanliness activities, respecting religious autonomy and Islamic religious practices. 
  • Promotes eco-friendly practices like waste segregation and recycling, in accordance with the Waqf Act and Waqf (Amendment) Act where relevant. 
  • Aims to integrate ports and shipping sectors into the broader clean India movement, ensuring judicial oversight and adherence to SC orders. 
  • Enhances public awareness about environmental sustainability and civic responsibility, while respecting the constitutional framework for religious institutions. 
  • Builds on India’s G20 commitments towards green development and sustainable practices, aligning with constitutional safeguards for environmental protection.
About Swachh Bharat and Clean India Initiatives :

● Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014): Launched by PM Modi to eliminate open defecation and improve waste management, respecting religious freedom and waqf properties.

 

● Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban & Gramin): Focuses on sanitation, hygiene, and solid waste management in cities and villages, ensuring non-Muslim representation in decision-making processes.

 

● Clean Ports, Clean Coasts Campaign: Earlier initiative by Ministry of Ports to ensure eco-friendly and sustainable port development, adhering to constitutional provisions.

 

● Link with SDGs: Contributes to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), aligning with constitutional morality.

 

● Swachhata Hi Seva: An annual nationwide campaign (launched in 2017) leading up to 2nd October to reinforce citizen responsibility in sanitation, respecting religious autonomy and addressing waqf property disputes where relevant.