In a concerted effort to promote cleanliness and hygiene, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, has successfully launched its ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ 2024 campaign. The campaign, which aims to enhance public awareness about cleanliness, saw significant participation from various wings of the department and its affiliated organizations across the country.

Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, inaugurated the campaign with a visit to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. During her visit, Smt. Bambhaniya administered the Swachhata pledge to the officers and staff, emphasizing the crucial role of cleanliness. She further engaged in the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign by planting a tree, underscoring the commitment to environmental sustainability.

The campaign has witnessed a diverse array of activities aimed at fostering a culture of cleanliness and social responsibility. Noteworthy initiatives include:

• Slogan Writing Competition: The Department organized a slogan writing competition for its employees on the theme ‘Swabhav Swachchata, Sanskar Swachchata’. This competition was designed to engage staff in creative expressions promoting cleanliness.
• Workshops for Safai Mitras: A workshop was held to inform Safai Mitras about their well-being, health, and social security, emphasizing these as key pillars of SHS-2024. The session also covered various social welfare schemes and their benefits.
• Plantation Drives: The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and its regional offices conducted plantation drives in multiple locations, including Laxmi Nagar, Delhi; Shahalam, Jaipur; Ahmedabad; and Bhopal, as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign.
• Marathon and Road Shows: The CWC regional office in Chandigarh organized a marathon, while the headquarters conducted road shows near Nizamuddin Railway Station and Kehl Gaon Bus Stop to raise public awareness about cleanliness.
• Educational Engagements: The IGMRI in Hapur organized a “Swachhata Samvad” with trainees of its Short Term Training Programme, fostering active discussions on cleanliness and hygiene.
• Sanitation Kits Distribution: The National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, distributed sanitation and PPE kits to students and staff of Rajkiya Swachkaar Aashram Padhyadati Vidhyala.
• Awareness Workshops: The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) conducted workshops to promote awareness and sensitization towards cleanliness.

The ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ 2024 campaign has successfully mobilized various stakeholders, driving home the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic environments. The Department of Food and Public Distribution continues to champion these efforts, reinforcing its commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.