Context: Over 5 crore citizens participated in the Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath initiative under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign.
About Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath Initiative:
What it is?
- A nationwide voluntary cleanliness drive, launched under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, led by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), MoJS.
- Citizens dedicate one hour of shramdaan (voluntary labour) for cleaning public spaces.
Aim:
- To strengthen the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) through jan andolan (people’s movement).
- To eliminate garbage vulnerable points, ensure cleaner public spaces, and promote sustainable, plastic-free practices.
Features:
- Mass Participation: Over 5 crore citizens, including local bodies, NGOs, SHGs, students, and officials.
- Target-Oriented Drive: Focused on 7 lakh CTUs and 3 lakh public areas.
- Inclusivity: Engagement of political leaders, gram panchayats, and diverse communities.
- Sustainability Focus: Promotion of zero-waste festivals, eco-friendly decorations, and plastic reduction.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
- GS-II (Governance & Welfare Schemes): Illustrates citizen participation, community mobilization, and policy implementation under SBM.
- GS-III (Environment): Links to solid waste management, plastic waste reduction, and sustainable practices.
- Essay/Ethics: Reflects collective responsibility, behavioural change, and jan-bhagidari as tools for social transformation.
