Clean Slate For Governance: Special Campaign 5.0 Targets E-Waste And Workplace Clutter

The Government of India has launched Special Campaign 5.0, a nationwide initiative aimed at institutionalizing cleanliness, streamlining administrative processes, and disposing of e-waste across central ministries and departments. Running from October 2 to October 31, 2025, the campaign builds on the success of previous editions and reinforces citizen-centric governance.

Key Highlights From The Campaign  
- The campaign focuses on systematic clean-up of government offices, disposal of obsolete files, and removal of redundant equipment including e-waste  
- Ministries such as Health & Family Welfare and Electronics & IT are leading the drive, with nodal officers appointed to oversee execution at division and office levels  
- A preparatory phase from September 15 to 30 helped identify targets, assess pending matters, and mobilize resources for the October rollout  
- Over 29,000 files were reviewed and cleared between November 2024 and August 2025, setting the stage for deeper process simplification  
- The campaign also promotes Swachhata principles, encouraging departments to maintain hygienic and efficient workspaces

Strategic Context  
- Special Campaign 5.0 is part of the broader Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM), launched in 2021 to improve transparency and service delivery  
- The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and complements digital transformation efforts  
- Previous campaigns have resulted in ₹3,220 crore revenue from scrap disposal and covered over 11.97 lakh sites including overseas missions

Operational Impact  
- Departments are using digital dashboards to track progress and share best practices in decluttering and file management  
- E-waste disposal is being carried out in compliance with environmental norms, with certified vendors handling collection and recycling  
- The campaign is expected to improve workplace efficiency, reduce administrative delays, and enhance public service responsiveness

Outlook  
- Analysts view Special Campaign 5.0 as a model for sustainable governance practices and inter-ministerial coordination  
- The campaign’s success may lead to its adoption at state and municipal levels, expanding its impact beyond central government offices  
- Continued emphasis on cleanliness and digital record-keeping is expected to strengthen India’s administrative infrastructure

Sources: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Press Information Bureau, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances