Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, called upon ministries and departments to transform the Government’s ongoing cleanliness initiative into a mass movement that combines public participation, innovation, and private sector engagement.

At a high-level review meeting on the implementation of Special Campaign 5.0, Dr. Singh emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic efforts and institutionalize cleanliness, space optimization, and record management as part of day-to-day governance.

“We should integrate technology, community engagement, and private sector collaboration to ensure that the campaign sustains itself throughout the year,” he said.

The Minister supported the idea of leveraging corporate partnerships and MSME collaborations through NASSCOM to bring innovative waste management solutions, particularly in urban clusters, hotels, and government establishments. He noted that the integration of digital technologies and smart recycling models, such as automated waste segregation and electronic scrap management across ministries and sections of society, could not only improve operational efficiency but also generate new livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of sharing best practices across ministries, suggesting that successful cleanliness models — from public spaces to educational campuses — be documented and disseminated nationally through a central repository. He also called for identifying innovative initiatives such as electronic file disposal, smart waste reuse, and repurposing cleared government land to set new governance benchmarks.

The Minister observed that the involvement of youth and women could lend renewed energy and creativity to the campaign. “When young people and women join the movement, it becomes more vibrant and impactful,” he remarked, urging that Swachhata messages be amplified through schools, colleges, and My Bharat volunteers to foster a culture of collective responsibility.

Referring to the success of past editions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Special Campaign had evolved from a short-term cleanliness drive to a transformative governance model promoting efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric administration. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustaining this momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced that innovative best practices emerging from the campaign would be shared with States, PSUs, and autonomous bodies.

Earlier in his address, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, underscored the importance of behavioural change and youth participation in realizing the vision of “Swachh Bharat.” He suggested appointing student and youth ambassadors from across colleges and universities to spread awareness and motivate communities to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their surroundings.

The meeting was attended by V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG; Sarita Chuhan, Joint Secretary, DARPG; and other senior officials from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and representatives from allied departments and partner organizations.

Rajouri, October 05: Aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated the newly developed Carnivore Enclosure at the Shachera Conservation Reserve in Rajouri. 

The inauguration forms part of the ongoing Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations, being observed across Jammu & Kashmir from October 2 to 8, aimed at fostering awareness and action for the protection of J&K’s diverse ecological resources.

DDC Chairperson Naseen Liaqat Choudhary, legislators Javaid Iqbal Choudhary and Iftikhar Ahmed, along with Ch. Sain Abdul Rashid, Shafait Khan, Haji Jamshed and Advocate Qadir Khan were present on the occasion. 

Also in attendance were senior officers of the Forest Department including Chairman Polition Control Committee and Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, district officials and members of the local community, reflecting strong administrative and public support for wildlife conservation initiatives in the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the urgent need for a unified and collaborative approach to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Jammu & Kashmir. 

He stressed that protecting JK’s natural heritage is not only a moral and environmental imperative but also essential for securing a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Highlighting the role of community engagement, the Minister noted that conservation cannot succeed in isolation. He called for active involvement of local communities, particularly those living in and around forested areas, as key partners in safeguarding wildlife and natural habitats. 

Empowering these communities through sustainable livelihood options and inclusive development, he said, will foster a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility toward conservation efforts.

Rana expressed concern over growing threats such as encroachment, poaching and habitat degradation, and called for immediate, coordinated action to address these challenges. 

He emphasized the need to integrate robust forest protection measures with socio-economic development to ensure long-term conservation success.

The Minister also outlined a vision for adopting innovative strategies in the fields of afforestation, biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, all of which are increasingly pressing issues in the region. 

He called for the promotion of eco-tourism in a way that balances environmental sensitivity with sustainable economic development, ensuring that local communities benefit while ecological integrity is preserved.

A strong focus was laid on the adoption of modern technologies for forest surveillance, wildlife tracking, and habitat monitoring, which, he said, must be mainstreamed to enhance transparency, responsiveness and data-driven decision-making within the Forest Department.

Rana reiterated that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility that must extend beyond departmental boundaries. 

He advocated for enhanced interdepartmental coordination, policy alignment, and greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and citizens to drive impactful and lasting conservation outcomes.

The inauguration of the Carnivore Enclosure marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen protected areas in Jammu & Kashmir and to improve habitat-specific facilities for the long-term wellbeing of endangered species.

According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Forest, Ecology & Environment, Wildlife Week 2025 continues to serve as a vital platform to reaffirm J&K Government’s commitment to environmental conservation, public engagement and ecological resilience.

Mendhar, Oct 4: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today laid the foundation stone for the construction of approach roads to the downstream bridge over the Mendhari Nallah.

The vital infrastructure project, sanctioned at a cost of ₹339.20 lakhs, will be executed by the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department.

During the foundation-laying ceremony, Rana directed the Executive Engineer of the R&B department to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeline.

He stressed the importance of adhering to high quality standards and technical specifications, emphasizing that durable road infrastructure is essential for long-term public convenience and regional development.

Reaffirming Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to enhancing road connectivity in remote and underserved areas, Rana noted that improved infrastructure is a key driver of socio-economic growth and accessibility in rural areas

Later, the Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the overall developmental scenario in Mendhar Constituency.

Highlighting the crucial role of horticulture and agriculture in bolstering the rural economy, Rana called for increased outreach and awareness among farmers and the general public regarding various government schemes and welfare initiatives.

He directed the concerned departments to organize awareness camps, workshops and field demonstrations at the village level to ensure that information reaches the grassroots, enabling maximum public participation and benefit.

The Minister also held a detailed review of ongoing and proposed works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the Public Works Department (PWD).

He instructed officials to expedite the tendering process, monitor progress rigorously, and ensure timely completion of all infrastructure projects.

He also reviewed the status of road restoration efforts following recent landslides and directed the timely preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new road projects under various schemes.

In the education sector, Rana called for swift implementation of developmental initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure, teaching standards and learning outcomes.

He emphasized the need for optimal utilization of existing human resources and integration of digital learning tools to enhance the quality of education, particularly in rural schools.

Addressing the healthcare situation, the Minister highlighted the importance of improving healthcare access and service delivery in underserved areas.

He directed health officials to undertake outreach programs to enhance community awareness and ensure equitable access to primary healthcare services.

The Minister underscored the importance of interdepartmental coordination, proactive governance and transparency in the execution of development works.

“The Government is committed to ensuring inclusive and holistic development that reaches every section of society, especially those in far-flung and rural areas,” Rana stated.

The meeting was attended by senior officers from Agriculture, Horticulture, Education, Health, Rural Development, PWD and PMGSY departments, along with field-level officers and representatives from various line departments.