Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0: 3x Sites, ₹491.28 Cr Revenue in 17 Days

19 Oct Special Cleanliness Campaign 6.0: 3x Sites, ₹491.28 Cr Revenue in 17 Days

✎ Special Campaign 6.0 is a government-wide cleanliness and waste management drive that combines administrative reforms, revenue generation, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on file disposal, scrap reduction, and…

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper II — Governance, Transparency and Accountability  |  GS Paper III — Environment and Sustainable Development
• Prelims: Special Campaign 6.0, Swachhta Abhiyan, Scrap disposal revenue, DARPG, E-waste management, Office space utilisation, Pending grievances, Administrative reforms
• Essay: Administrative efficiency and public service delivery: Lessons from Special Campaign 6.0, Sustainable development through institutional waste management

Quick Revision: Special Campaign 6.0 is a government-wide cleanliness and waste management drive that combines administrative reforms, revenue generation, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on file disposal, scrap reduction, and optimal office space utilisation.

Why is this in the news?

The Special Campaign 6.0, launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has achieved a threefold increase in the number of cleanliness campaign sites within 17 days, generating ₹491.28 crore in revenue from scrap disposal—exceeding the performance of Special Campaign 5.0. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to institutionalising cleanliness, waste reduction, and optimal utilisation of office space across central ministries and departments, aligning with broader goals of administrative efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Background

• The Special Campaign series was initiated in 2021 as part of the government’s efforts to promote cleanliness, reduce pendency of files, and dispose of scrap material in a time-bound manner across all central ministries and departments.
• The campaign builds on the Swachh Bharat Mission’s principles but extends its scope to include digital files, e-waste, and redundant office materials, ensuring a comprehensive approach to waste management.
• Special Campaign 5.0 (2025) had achieved significant milestones, including the disposal of 113.12 lakh sq. ft. of office space and revenue generation of ₹304.72 crore from scrap disposal within the same 17-day period.
• The campaign is coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, with active participation from all central ministries and attached offices.
• The initiative is aligned with the broader government agenda of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and the ‘Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013’, which emphasises transparency and accountability in public administration.
• The campaign also supports the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, integrating waste management with environmental sustainability goals.

What is Special Campaign 6.0?

• A time-bound, pan-India initiative launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) to promote cleanliness, reduce pendency of files, and dispose of scrap material in government offices.
• The campaign spans from 2 October to 31 October 2026, with a focus on intensive cleanliness drives, file review, and scrap disposal across all central ministries, departments, and attached offices.
• Key objectives include: (a) disposal of pending files (physical and electronic), (b) identification and disposal of redundant office materials, (c) optimal utilisation of office space, and (d) generation of revenue through scrap disposal.
• The campaign has expanded its scope to include e-waste management, plastic waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable waste management practices, such as the reuse of cooking oil and recycling of materials.
• Revenue generation from scrap disposal is a critical component, with proceeds deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India, thereby contributing to public exchequer while ensuring environmentally responsible disposal.
• The campaign emphasises the role of senior officials, including secretaries and heads of departments, in ensuring widespread participation and accountability at all levels of administration.
• Special Campaign 6.0 builds on the experiences of previous editions (e.g., Special Campaign 5.0) by incorporating feedback, improving processes, and expanding the scope to include emerging waste management challenges such as e-waste and plastic waste.
• The initiative also includes awareness campaigns to educate government employees and the public on sustainable waste management practices, including the scientific disposal of e-waste and the reuse of materials.

Key Features

Feature	Significance
Expansion of sanitation campaign sites	Threefold increase in the number of sanitation campaign sites (8,34,509 vs 2,75,432 in Special Campaign 5.0) demonstrates enhanced administrative reach and participation across government offices.
Revenue generation from scrap disposal	Accrued ₹491.28 crore from scrap disposal, a 1.61 times increase over Special Campaign 5.0 (₹304.72 crore), highlighting efficient resource utilisation and circular economy principles.
Space optimisation in government offices	116 lakh sq. ft. of office space freed up, reflecting a shift towards rationalising physical infrastructure and promoting productive utilisation of assets.
Inclusion of e-waste and electronic files	Expanded scope from paper files to electronic waste management, aligning with digital governance and sustainable waste disposal practices.
Inter-ministerial participation	Key contributions from ministries such as School Education (4,15,353 sites) and Railways (₹425.06 crore from scrap disposal), indicating cross-departmental collaboration.

Why it Matters

Administrative Reforms

• Demonstrates the institutionalisation of periodic review mechanisms for office efficiency, waste management, and resource optimisation.
• Enhances transparency and accountability in government functioning through structured data-driven assessments.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in public administration, building on lessons from previous iterations (Special Campaign 5.0).

Economic Efficiency

• Generates revenue through scrap disposal, reducing fiscal burden on exchequer and promoting circular economy principles.
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs by optimising physical office space and disposing of obsolete assets.
• Encourages efficient resource allocation by identifying and liquidating underutilised government assets.

Environmental Sustainability

• Integrates waste management practices, including e-waste and plastic recycling, into routine administrative processes.
• Promotes scientific disposal of hazardous waste (e.g., e-waste) to mitigate environmental degradation.
• Encourages public awareness on sustainable waste management through government-led initiatives.

Digital Governance Alignment

• Expands the scope of sanitation campaigns to include electronic files and e-waste, aligning with the Digital India mission.
• Supports the transition to paperless offices by streamlining file management and disposal processes.
• Facilitates the adoption of eco-friendly technologies in government operations.

Institutional Capacity Building

• Strengthens the capacity of government departments to manage waste and optimise resources through structured training and awareness.
• Fosters inter-ministerial coordination and knowledge-sharing on best practices in administrative efficiency.
• Enhances the ability of public institutions to respond to evolving governance challenges.

Challenges

1. Sustainability of Scrap Disposal Revenue

• Revenue from scrap disposal is contingent on market demand and commodity prices, which may fluctuate.
• Ensuring long-term financial viability requires diversification of waste management strategies beyond one-time scrap sales.

UPSC Link: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

2. Behavioural Change in Government Offices

• Resistance to change among employees accustomed to traditional file management and office practices may hinder adoption.
• Sustained motivation and incentives are required to maintain momentum beyond the campaign period.

UPSC Link: GS IV: Ethics in Governance

3. E-waste Management Infrastructure

• Limited capacity of formal e-waste recycling facilities may constrain effective disposal of electronic waste.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental norms for e-waste disposal remains a challenge.

UPSC Link: GS III: Environmental Conservation

4. Space Optimisation in Legacy Buildings

• Older government buildings may have structural limitations that impede space reconfiguration.
• Balancing space optimisation with functional requirements (e.g., meeting rooms, archives) requires careful planning.

UPSC Link: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

5. Data Accuracy and Monitoring

• Ensuring real-time data collection and accuracy across decentralised government offices is resource-intensive.
• Standardising reporting mechanisms to avoid discrepancies in progress tracking.

UPSC Link: GS II: Transparency and Accountability in Governance

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Issue	Concern
Market volatility in scrap prices	Fluctuations may impact revenue generation and financial planning.
Employee resistance to digital file management	Traditional practices may slow adoption of electronic waste disposal.
Limited formal e-waste recycling capacity	Inadequate infrastructure may lead to improper disposal.
Structural constraints in legacy buildings	Physical limitations may hinder space optimisation efforts.
Data reporting inconsistencies	Decentralised data collection may lead to discrepancies in progress tracking.
Sustaining post-campaign momentum	Maintaining long-term engagement beyond the campaign period.

Government Initiatives — Must-Memorise for Prelims

• Special Campaign 6.0 (2026)
• Special Campaign 5.0 (2025)
• Digital India Mission (for e-waste management alignment)

Way Forward

• Institutionalise periodic reviews of office efficiency and waste management practices beyond campaign timelines.
• Develop standardised guidelines for e-waste disposal and electronic file management across ministries.
• Expand formal e-waste recycling infrastructure in collaboration with private sector and state governments.
• Introduce incentives for employees and departments to sustain behavioural change post-campaign.
• Enhance inter-ministerial coordination through dedicated task forces for waste management and space optimisation.
• Leverage technology for real-time monitoring of progress and data accuracy in campaign reporting.
• Integrate public awareness campaigns on sustainable waste management into ongoing government initiatives.
• Conduct capacity-building programmes for government officials on circular economy principles and resource optimisation.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Special Campaign 6.0:
1. It aims to rationalise office space utilisation in government offices.
2. It includes monetisation of scrap generated in government offices.
3. The campaign is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
4. It mandates the disposal of e-waste and obsolete materials.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer: All four — Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct as per the campaign’s objectives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the campaign is implemented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), not the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Q2. Assertion (A): Special Campaign 6.0 focuses on monetising scrap generated in government offices to augment revenue.
Reason (R): The campaign aims to enhance operational efficiency by disposing of obsolete materials and freeing up office space.

In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

1. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true, but R is false
4. A is false, but R is true

Answer: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true. The campaign indeed focuses on monetising scrap (A) and its broader objective includes enhancing operational efficiency by disposing of obsolete materials and freeing up space (R), which is a valid explanation of the assertion.

Q3. Match the following pairs related to Special Campaign 6.0:

Column I (Objective/Component)
A. Scrap monetisation
B. Office space rationalisation
C. E-waste management
D. Digital file disposal

Column II (Description)
1. Disposal of obsolete electronic equipment and devices
2. Conversion of unused office space into productive use
3. Revenue generation through sale of discarded materials
4. Disposal of physical and digital files to reduce clutter

Select the correct match:

1. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
2. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
3. A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
4. A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

Answer: A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 — The correct matches are: A-3 (Scrap monetisation involves revenue generation through sale of discarded materials), B-2 (Office space rationalisation converts unused space into productive use), C-1 (E-waste management involves disposal of obsolete electronic equipment), and D-4 (Digital file disposal reduces clutter by disposing of physical and digital files).

Mains Practice Question

✍ The Special Campaign 6.0, launched under the aegis of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), represents a significant evolution in India’s governance paradigm towards efficiency, sustainability, and monetisation of resources. Critically examine the objectives, implementation strategies, and potential long-term implications of this campaign for public sector productivity and environmental sustainability. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:

1. **Introduction (2 marks)**
– Define Special Campaign 6.0 as a pan-government initiative under DARPG, building on the legacy of previous Swachhata Abhiyans.
– Mention its dual focus: (a) operational efficiency in governance and (b) sustainable resource utilisation.

2. **Objectives and Scope (3 marks)**
– Rationalisation of office space utilisation (e.g., 1,200 sq ft freed in DARPG’s office complex).
– Monetisation of scrap and obsolete materials (e.g., ₹491.28 crore revenue generated).
– Digital and physical file disposal to reduce administrative clutter.
– E-waste and plastic waste management, including used cooking oil.
– Alignment with Digital India and circular economy principles.

3. **Implementation Strategies (4 marks)**
– **Phased Approach**: Expansion from file disposal (2019) to scrap monetisation and e-waste management.
– **Institutional Mechanisms**: Role of DARPG, secretaries of ministries, and field offices in ensuring participation.
– **Monitoring and Review**: Mid-term reviews by Dr. Jitendra Singh, progress tracking via digital dashboards.
– **Stakeholder Engagement**: Involvement of ministries like School Education (4,15,353 sites) and Railways (₹425.06 crore revenue).
– **Public Awareness**: Focus on sustainable waste management practices and citizen participation.

4. **Potential Long-Term Implications (4 marks)**
– **Governance Efficiency**: Reduction in redundant office space and physical files, leading to cost savings and improved workflows.
– **Revenue Augmentation**: Monetisation of scrap as a non-tax revenue stream for the exchequer.
– **Environmental Sustainability**: Reduction in landfill waste, promotion of e-waste recycling, and circular economy practices.
– **Digital Transformation**: Acceleration of paperless offices and digital governance.
– **Challenges**: Ensuring sustained participation, addressing logistical hurdles in scrap disposal, and preventing misuse of freed space.

5. **Critical Evaluation (2 marks)**
– **Strengths**: Scalability, measurable outcomes (e.g., 3.03x increase in sites covered), and alignment with global best practices.
– **Limitations**: Potential resistance from employees accustomed to traditional practices, short-term nature of campaigns, and need for institutionalisation beyond annual drives.

6. **Conclusion (2 marks)**
– Summarise the campaign’s role in redefining public sector efficiency and sustainability.
– Emphasise the need for integrating such initiatives into routine governance processes to ensure lasting impact.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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