The Department of Health Research (DHR), along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and its 27 institutes nationwide, is set to launch ‘Special Campaign 4.0’ aimed at institutionalizing Swachhata (cleanliness) and minimizing pendency within its offices. The initiative, slated to run from October 2 to October 31, 2024, builds upon a series of preparatory actions undertaken in September to streamline the implementation phase.

According to an official statement, the preparatory phase, conducted from September 16 to 30, successfully identified key targets for enhancing cleanliness, clearing pending references, and adhering to effective record management systems. An Office Memorandum issued on September 20 outlined these goals, which include improving overall office hygiene, liquidating pending MPs’ references, and addressing correspondence from state governments, among other priorities.

Targeting Swachhata and Reducing Pendency

The campaign reflects the DHR’s commitment to upholding the principles of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan while ensuring administrative efficiency. As part of the initiative, each of the 27 ICMR institutes across India will focus on enhancing cleanliness and organization in their respective offices. This will involve the meticulous management of records and addressing all pending cases in a time-bound manner to facilitate smoother operations.

The status of these pending items was reviewed on September 25 during a meeting chaired by Smt. Richa Khoda, Joint Secretary, DHR, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for this campaign. Smt. Khoda emphasized that the progress of the campaign will be closely monitored throughout the month-long implementation phase to ensure all targets are met.

Saturation of Swachhata in Health Research Institutions

During the campaign, dedicated efforts will be made to achieve saturation of Swachhata in all the offices associated with DHR and ICMR. The objective is not only to ensure a clean and organized working environment but also to foster a culture of administrative efficiency by resolving backlogs and improving response times.

“This campaign is a crucial step towards institutionalizing cleanliness and optimizing the functioning of the Department. By effectively managing records and reducing pendency, we aim to set a new standard of operational excellence within the health research sector,” said Smt. Khoda.

Regular Monitoring and Evaluation

The progress of ‘Special Campaign 4.0’ will be monitored regularly by the Nodal Officer, ensuring that each office adheres to the standards set during the preparatory phase. Regular updates will be shared to track the campaign’s impact on improving cleanliness and minimizing pending tasks.

With the commencement of the implementation phase on October 2, DHR and ICMR are poised to make significant strides in enhancing workplace cleanliness and operational efficiency, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and setting an example for other government departments.

As the campaign unfolds, the concerted efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in achieving the desired outcomes, reinforcing the message that a clean and organized workspace is fundamental to better service delivery and overall public health research infrastructure.