The Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, has launched cleanliness initiatives nationwide to strengthen solid waste and e-waste management, with 7 lakh campaigns targeted under Special Campaign 6.0.
The initiative was highlighted during a national webinar on Solid and e-Waste Management held in New Delhi ahead of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. The programme focused on encouraging students, teachers and communities to adopt responsible waste-management practices, improve waste segregation and promote recycling and safe disposal.
NEP 2020 Places Environmental Responsibility at the Centre
Secretary, DoSEL, Shri T. K. Anil Kumar, underlined the importance of environmental awareness in school education and highlighted the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in developing responsible and environmentally conscious citizens.
He pointed to the participation of school students in previous waste-management initiatives as an example of how educational institutions can contribute to environmental action. During Special Campaign 5.0, approximately one lakh students collected more than 4,000 kg of e-waste across 10 cities in four States and one Union Territory.
Kumar stressed the need for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, particularly to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources and improve recycling and resource recovery.
He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that waste, particularly electronic waste, is collected, processed and disposed of through safe and scientifically appropriate methods.
Eco Clubs to Drive Environmental Awareness
Joint Secretary, DoSEL, Dr. Amarpreet Duggal, highlighted the contribution of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in connecting students with environmental issues through practical activities.
She noted that programmes conducted during Swachhata Pakhwada, Swachhata Hi Seva and Special Campaign 6.0 can help schools develop a stronger culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
Swachhata Pakhwada was observed from September 1 to 15, 2026, while Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is scheduled from September 17 to October 17. Special Campaign 6.0 will run from October 2 to 31, 2026.
These campaigns are intended to encourage students and school communities to incorporate sustainable habits into their daily activities.
Waste Management Quiz for Classes 6 to 12
As part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, Dr. Duggal announced a quiz competition focused on the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026.
The quiz will be available for students studying in Grades 6 to 12 through the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE portal from September 17 to October 17.
The initiative seeks to combine environmental education with interactive learning and help students understand the importance of waste segregation, recycling, reuse and responsible disposal.
Webinar Highlights Recycling and Safe Disposal
The national webinar included expert sessions on solid waste management along with a demonstration of the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE portal.
Participants were introduced to resources available through the digital platform and practical approaches to handling different categories of waste. Discussions covered source segregation, recycling, reuse and the safe management of solid and electronic waste.
The programme was conducted under the aegis of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE and sought to increase awareness about the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal.
According to the Ministry, more than 2.6 lakh students, teachers and community members participated in the webinar through YouTube, indicating the broad reach of the awareness programme.
Special Campaign 6.0 Portal Launched
A dedicated portal for Special Campaign 6.0 was also launched on September 16 during a separate programme.
On the occasion, the Secretary, DoSEL, announced the Department’s target of organising 7 lakh cleanliness campaigns across the country.
The target places schools and communities at the heart of the upcoming cleanliness drive, with activities expected to focus on improving surroundings while encouraging long-term behavioural changes related to cleanliness and waste management.
Schools to Play Key Role in Tackling Waste
The government’s latest initiatives place students, schools and Eco Clubs at the centre of environmental awareness efforts. Through cleanliness drives, interactive quizzes and community-based activities, students are being encouraged to move beyond classroom learning and participate directly in sustainable practices.
The focus on solid waste and e-waste also reflects the growing need to address waste generation, segregation, recycling and safe disposal. Proper management of discarded materials can help reduce environmental pollution while supporting the recovery and reuse of valuable resources.
With Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 beginning on September 17 and Special Campaign 6.0 commencing on October 2, the Department of School Education & Literacy is preparing to expand cleanliness and environmental-awareness activities across educational institutions and communities.
The 7 lakh cleanliness campaign target provides a major framework for the upcoming campaign, while student participation through Eco Clubs and educational activities is expected to strengthen awareness about responsible waste management among the younger generation.
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