Centre asks ministries to observe 'Swachh Bharat Pakhwada'

NEW DELHI: Seeking to give impetus to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ' Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', all central government ministries and departments have been directed to carry out a drive to weed out old files and discarded furnitures and vehicles.

The fortnight-long cleanliness drive 'Swachh Bharat Pakhwada' is being observed between May 16 and 31.

The Central Public Works Department ( CPWD) has started removing old and unused furnitures and other items from government buildings and office premises.

"In a communication sent to all ministers, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has asked them to organise a series of activities like 'mass pledge on swacchta' by the employees, cleanliness drive, carrying out inspection and repair work of all sanitary facilities in office premises, weeding out of old files, disposal of old items including furniture, machines and vehicles, and conducting pest control," a senior government official said.

Naidu also plans to visit government offices at Nirman Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Paryatan Bhawan, Nirvachan Sadan, Udyog Bhawan, NITI Aayog, IP Bhawan, CGO Complex, among others, to inspect the overall cleanliness and sanitary conditions.

"Naidu has also urged the ministers to advise all their officers who are in charge of offices outside Delhi to take up similar 'shramdaan' activities at their premises," the official said.