Swachhata Hi Seva 2026: MoS Shri B. L. Verma Leads 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' Shramdaan Drive in Delhi

In a powerful demonstration of community-led governance and civic responsibility, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, spearheaded a high-profile Shramdaan (voluntary labor) drive in the heart of the national capital. Organized at the Mahila Imdad Committee (MIC) premises in the Paharganj area of New Delhi, this initiative was a cornerstone event of the nationwide "Swachhata Hi Seva 2026" campaign. Operating under the evocative and action-oriented theme of “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” (One Day, One Hour, Together), the drive mobilized government officials, public sector enterprises, and local citizens to reinforce India's collective commitment to sanitation, hygiene, and national development.

The event, which took place on October 1, 2026, serves as a precursor to the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, whose vision of a clean and self-reliant India remains the guiding light for the Swachh Bharat Mission. By actively participating in the physical cleanup of the premises, Shri Verma demonstrated that leadership in the modern era is defined by direct action and grassroots engagement. The initiative highlights the government's ongoing efforts to transition cleanliness from a periodic administrative task into a deeply ingrained societal habit.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• High-Level Leadership: The Shramdaan activity was personally led by Shri B. L. Verma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, who actively participated in cleaning the Mahila Imdad Committee (MIC) premises in Paharganj, Delhi.
• Campaign Alignment: The drive was organized under the aegis of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign, specifically executing the national theme of “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.”
• Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Senior officers from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment joined forces with representatives from the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to execute the cleanliness drive.
• Focus on Jan Bhagidari: The Minister emphasized that the long-term sustainability of the Swachh Bharat Mission relies entirely on Jan Bhagidari (public participation) and urged citizens to dedicate time daily to hygiene.
• Vision for Viksit Bharat: The initiative was framed as a critical stepping stone toward achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, highlighting that physical infrastructure development must go hand-in-hand with environmental sanitation.

The Genesis of Swachhata Hi Seva: Contextualizing the 2026 Campaign

To understand the significance of the event in Paharganj, it is essential to trace the trajectory of India’s sanitation journey. During the event, Shri B. L. Verma briefed the participants on the historic launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on October 2, 2014, by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Launched as a national movement across the length and breadth of the country, SBM succeeded in shifting the national consciousness regarding open defecation, solid waste management, and personal hygiene.

Over the past twelve years, the mission has evolved from a basic sanitation drive into a sophisticated, multi-tiered campaign focusing on circular economy principles, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and plastic waste management. The "Swachhata Hi Seva" campaign is an annual fortnight-long intensive mobilization effort designed to re-energize the public ahead of Gandhi Jayanti. The 2026 edition focuses heavily on institutional cleanliness, clearing legacy waste sites, and ensuring that public spaces remain pristine through community ownership.

The Philosophy of 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath'

The theme “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” is a masterclass in behavioral economics and community mobilization. By asking citizens to dedicate just one hour of voluntary labor on a specific day, the government lowers the barrier to entry for civic participation. It democratizes the act of nation-building, proving that massive structural changes can be achieved through small, synchronized actions by millions of individuals. In Paharganj, this manifested as a diverse group of people—ranging from high-ranking bureaucrats to local residents—working side-by-side to sweep streets, clear debris, and beautify public spaces.

"Emphasising the importance of Jan Bhagidari in sustaining the momentum of the cleanliness movement, Shri Verma appealed to everyone to make Swachhata an integral part of their daily routine, reinforcing the spirit of shared responsibility and participation."

The Strategic Role of ALIMCO and the Ministry

The active participation of the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment carries deep symbolic and practical weight. Cleanliness and sanitation are directly linked to public health, accessibility, and social justice. Poor sanitation environments disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

By involving ALIMCO—a public sector undertaking dedicated to manufacturing assistive devices for Divyangjan—the campaign underscores the intersection between clean public spaces and accessibility. A clean environment is a barrier-free environment. When public pathways, government offices, and community centers are free of garbage and obstructions, they become inherently more accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, thereby promoting true social inclusion.

Significance & National Impact: From Swachh Bharat to Viksit Bharat

The Shramdaan activity led by Shri B. L. Verma is not an isolated event; it is part of a larger, systemic effort to align public health with economic growth. As India marches toward its goal of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, the economic cost of poor sanitation cannot be ignored. Improved sanitation directly correlates with a reduction in waterborne diseases, lower healthcare expenditures for low-income families, and increased labor productivity.

Furthermore, the emphasis on Jan Bhagidari represents a paradigm shift in governance. Historically, public works and sanitation were viewed strictly as municipal obligations. By fostering a sense of "shared responsibility," the Swachh Bharat Mission has successfully transferred the ownership of public spaces back to the citizens. When communities actively participate in cleaning their surroundings, they are far less likely to litter, creating a self-sustaining cycle of cleanliness.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment’s continuous support for these initiatives ensures that the values of dignity, equality, and civic pride are woven into the fabric of daily governance. The Paharganj drive successfully demonstrated that when leadership leads by example, the community eagerly follows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath" initiative?

It is a national campaign theme under the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative that encourages citizens from all walks of life to dedicate one hour of voluntary labor (Shramdaan) on a designated day to clean their local surroundings, fostering community spirit and shared responsibility.

Why did the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment lead this drive?

The Ministry leads such drives to highlight that cleanliness, public health, and accessible, clean environments are fundamental to social justice, dignity, and the well-being of marginalized communities, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

What is ALIMCO's role in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign?

As a key public sector undertaking under the Ministry, ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) actively participates in Shramdaan to promote institutional cleanliness and to emphasize the connection between clean, obstacle-free public spaces and accessibility for Divyangjan.

How does Shramdaan contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat?

Shramdaan fosters civic pride, reduces the economic burden of sanitation-related illnesses, and builds high-quality public spaces. A clean, healthy, and disciplined nation is a foundational prerequisite for achieving developed nation status (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2317889, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2317889&lang=1.