Health Ministry Staff Join Cleanliness Drive Under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a voluntary cleanliness drive, or shramdaan, in New Delhi on 1 October 2026.

Quick Summary
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a voluntary cleanliness drive, or shramdaan, in New Delhi on 1 October 2026. It took place near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1 on Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, led the drive along with other senior officials and staff.
What Happened
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a voluntary cleanliness drive on 1 October 2026. This kind of volunteer cleaning work is called a shramdaan. The drive took place near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg, New Delhi.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl led the drive. He is the Secretary of the Department of Health Research and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Several senior officers joined him. Smt. Aradhana Patnaik is Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM). Dr. Rakesh Gupta is Additional Secretary and Director General of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). Dr. Loveneesh G. Krishna is the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Other officials and staff of the Ministry also took part.
Why It Matters
This drive is part of the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' campaign. The campaign theme is 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath'. That means one day, one hour, together. The campaign wants citizens across the country to join cleanliness work.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Rajiv Bahl said cleanliness should become a steady, shared effort. He asked officials and citizens to keep their surroundings clean and healthy. Smt. Aradhana Patnaik spoke about Jan Bhagidari, which means people's participation. She said every person has a personal responsibility here. Lasting cleanliness needs action from each of us, not just from institutions.
The Ministry also spoke about the link between cleanliness and public health. Clean surroundings, responsible waste management and active citizen participation all help create healthier spaces. The Ministry shared its commitment to the goals of Swachh Bharat.
Key Points
- The drive was held near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg, New Delhi.
- It took place on 1 October 2026 under the 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026' campaign.
- Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR) and DG (ICMR), led the drive.
- Officials from NHM, NACO and DGHS joined, along with other Ministry staff.
- The campaign theme is 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath'.
- Leaders asked citizens to treat cleanliness as a shared, everyday duty.
Important Dates
- The cleanliness drive took place on 1 October 2026.
FAQs
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