(GIST OF YOJANA) SPECIAL CAMPAIGN 4.0 : INSTITUTIONALIZING SWACHHATA AND REDUCING PENDENCY IN GOVERNMENT

Introduction

The Special Campaign 4.0 is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to institutionalize Swachhata (cleanliness) and reduce pendency in government offices. Building on the success of previous campaigns, it aims to create efficient, clean, and citizen-centric office spaces, enhancing government functioning and service delivery. This campaign aligns with the long-term objective of Viksit Bharat @2047, a vision for a developed India by its centenary year.

Background and Achievements of Previous Campaigns

The Government has been conducting special campaigns since 2021, focusing on improving the efficiency of office spaces and record management. The achievements of these campaigns include:

• Office Spaces: 404,776 office spaces taken up under the campaign. 

• Space Freed: 355.5 lakh square feet of space cleared in various offices. 

• Revenue Earned: Rs 1,162.49 crores generated from scrap disposal.

• File Management: 96.1 lakh files weeded out across ministries and departments.

Extension to Institutions

The special campaigns have extended to a broad range of institutions:

• Schools
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
• Road Transport Offices
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) offices

Objectives and Focus Areas of Special Campaign 4.0

The primary goal of Special Campaign 4.0 is to create clean, clutter-free, and efficient office spaces that provide a welcoming environment for both citizens and employees.

Reducing Pendency

• File and Record Management: The campaign emphasizes the importance of weeding out old files and adopting digitized record management practices to improve efficiency.
• Public Grievances and Interdepartmental Communications: By focusing on quick grievance redressal and improving internal communication processes, the campaign reduces backlogs and enhances service delivery.

Technology Adoption

• Digital Platform: The campaign is being implemented through a dedicated digital platform (www.specialcampaign.gov.in) to track progress and monitor activities like scrap disposal and cleanliness.
• Vidyanjali Initiative: Refurbishing computers and printers from government offices for rural schools to ensure digital empowerment of underserved areas.

Environmental Sustainability

• 3Rs Approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle): Promoting environmentally friendly practices within government offices, focusing on scrap management and waste disposal.

• Waste-to-Wealth Innovations: New initiatives, such as Swachh ATMs and Waste-to-Wealth projects, are being highlighted as part of the campaign’s commitment to green practices.

Institutional Coverage and Nationwide Reach

Ministries and Departments

The campaign is being implemented across all ministries and departments, including:

• Defence Establishments

• Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

• Police Stations

• Railway Stations

• Post Offices

• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

Saturation Approach

• The campaign adopts a saturation approach, ensuring its reach across India, from Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir to Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, and from Barmer in Rajasthan to Mon in Nagaland. It also covers:

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Outreach to farmers for vermicomposting and parthenium-free farming.

• Railway Stations: Awareness campaigns against single-use plastics are led by the Ministry of Railways.

Role of Leadership and Coordination

• The success of the campaign is driven by leadership at various levels, with nodal officers in the rank of Joint Secretary or Additional Secretary coordinating efforts across field offices. Accountability and Monitoring

• Monthly Secretariat Reforms Reports: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) monitors the campaign and publishes monthly reports to track progress and ensure accountability.

Innovations and Environmental Friendly Practices

3R Approach

The adoption of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) practices encourages government offices to embrace sustainable practices in managing waste and maintaining cleanliness.

Waste-to-Wealth and Swachh ATMs

Innovative projects like Swachh ATMs and Waste-to-Wealth practices are being highlighted, where waste is converted into usable resources, creating both economic and environmental benefits.

Vidyanjali Initiative

Through Vidyanjali, old computers and printers are refurbished and supplied to rural schools, promoting digital inclusion and better education infrastructure in underserved areas.

Global Participation and Historical 

Preservation Overseas Missions

Special Campaign 4.0 is not limited to India but extends to Indian missions and embassies around the world, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) directing all overseas offices to participate.

Historical Records

Records of historical importance, such as those related to the organizational restructuring of the Central Secretariat in 1938 and 1947, have been digitized and preserved on the Abhilekh Patal platform of the National Archives of India (NAI).

Public Grievances and Improved Service Delivery

Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

• Digital Portals: Digital platforms have been set up to monitor pendency and provide faster grievance redressal.
• Timeline Reduction: The Policy for Effective Redressal of Public Grievances 2024 has reduced the timeline for resolving grievances from 30 days to 21 days, improving public satisfaction.

Improved Public Interface

• Aaykar Sewa Kendras: Income tax offices have been redesigned to create efficient and citizen-friendly public interfaces.
• Pensioners’ Lounges: Pensioner service areas have been improved in banks like State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank, enhancing the service experience for retirees.

Communication and Outreach

Awareness Campaigns

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has initiated a comprehensive media and communication strategy, including:

• 100,000 social media posts
• 300 PIB statements
• Panel discussions to raise awareness and highlight campaign success.

Knowledge Dissemination

Efforts are being made to ensure that all field formations of government offices are aware of the objectives and achievements of Special Campaign 4.0 through a focused communication plan.

Conclusion

• The Special Campaign 4.0 marks a significant step in the Government’s commitment to Swachhata and reducing pendency, contributing to clean, efficient, and citizen-centric government offices. The campaign’s emphasis on digital transformation, sustainable practices, and service delivery improvements highlights its role in achieving Viksit Bharat @2047. By institutionalizing Swachhata and embracing digitization, the Government is setting the stage for a modern, transparent, and responsive public administration in India.