Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

As per the schedule for Central Government Ministries/ Departments, the Ministry of External Affairs, observed Swachhata Pakhwada from 16th – 31st January, 2024 at over 425 locations which included Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), Protector of Emigrants (PoEs)/ Indian Missions / Posts abroad, Branch Secretariats and subordinate offices in India.

2.​ During the pakhwada, special emphasis was made to improve current cleanliness levels in the office premises, disposal of scrap/waste materials and utilization of social media to amplify this message. Swachhata banners were displayed at all prominent places in the Ministry and all its offices / subordinate offices in India and Indian Missions / Posts abroad. Shramdaan was undertaken by officials to keep their offices and surroundings clean. Special drives to clean toilets, bathrooms, staircases and corridors as well as for segregation and safe disposal of paper waste, plastic waste and e-waste banners were undertaken. Review of Divyang access to the toilets by teams at South Block, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan were carried out.

3. ​Indian Missions abroad and RPOs/ PoEs in lndia actively participated in carrying out cleanliness activities during Swachhata Pakhwada. Indian Missions engaged local Indian diaspora to participate in Swachhata activities. Swachhata activities undertaken by MEA offices in India and those situated abroad included (i) Blood donation camps, (ii) Nukkad Nataks, (iii) Plogging/ swachhata walks, (iv) Signature campaigns,(v) Painting competitions, (vi) Plantation of saplings and (vii) Kavya Pratiyogita (poem recitation).

4.​ The Swachhata Pakhwada was celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm. The activities undertaken were comprehensive in size and scale and witnessed widespread participation in India and abroad.

New Delhi
February 09, 2024