Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal on Thursday reviewed preparations with States and Union Territories for Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026, calling for extensive public participation and visible, measurable cleanliness outcomes across the country.
The nationwide campaign will be observed from September 17 to October 17, 2026, with “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat” as its theme. The campaign seeks to make cleanliness a sustained, people-led movement rather than a month-long activity.
Focus on public participation and cleanliness outcomes
Chairing a high-level meeting with State Urban Development Ministers, Principal Secretaries, Urban Development and State Mission Directors, Manohar Lal urged States and UTs to ensure coordinated action and wide Jan Bhagidari.
The key focus areas of SHS 2026 include transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and high-footfall public places, Swachh Paathshala-Yuva for Swachhata, SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs, Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata and Swachhata se Samriddhi, with emphasis on circular economy and Waste-to-Wealth initiatives.
States were asked to lead cleanliness drives across government office premises, tourist destinations and water bodies.
Campaign to begin from homes
Manohar Lal called upon citizens to begin the campaign from their own homes on September 17, which coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
He urged people to clean their homes themselves and light a diya in the evening as a symbol of a clean home, healthy family, positive energy and a commitment to sustain cleanliness. He said the campaign should be taken forward in the spirit of ‘Seva Sankalp’.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision for Swachh Bharat, the Minister said the campaign seeks to connect the spirit of service with the cause of cleanliness and turn Swachhata into a collective resolve of citizens.
Shramdaan on October 1
The Minister called for extensive planning and mobilisation ahead of October 1, when nationwide Shramdaan will be undertaken under the campaign “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.”
State Education and Sports Departments have been asked to involve youth and sportspersons in cleanliness activities on a large scale. Ministers, MPs, MLAs, mayors, deputy mayors, ward councillors, commissioners and eminent personalities have also been urged to lead Shramdaan activities in their respective areas and constituencies.
Municipalities have been asked to engage residential societies and RWAs through inter-ward and inter-RWA cleanliness competitions and promote Swachhata messaging at prominent locations.
Special drives on September 25 and October 2
Cleanliness drives across different sections of society will be organised on September 25, the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, with emphasis on inclusivity and social welfare.
On October 2, Swachh Bharat Diwas, urban local bodies will organise special council meetings and cleanliness drives at public places. Advocacy activities on Solid Waste Management Rules and tree plantation under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ will also be undertaken.
States have also been urged to organise special Swachhata programmes on October 7 to mark the completion of Prime Minister Modi’s 25 years of public service.
Focus on SafaiMitras and year-round action
The meeting stressed the welfare, safety and recognition of sanitation workers through SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs. These will include linkages with eligible welfare schemes, preventive health check-ups and provision of safety equipment. States were encouraged to organise such camps regularly throughout the year.
States and UTs were also advised to use innovative outreach activities, sports events, Swachhata anthems and other public engagement initiatives to strengthen the campaign.
While SHS 2026 will officially conclude on October 17, Manohar Lal urged States to sustain the momentum throughout the year and ensure that the campaign leads to measurable improvements in cleanliness and lasting behavioural change.
