Education Ministry reviews progress of Special Campaign 5.0; launches e-waste drives in schools

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, is implementing Special Campaign 5.0 from October 2 to 31, 2025, to institutionalise Swachhata in government offices and enhance school environments across the country.

According to the official press release, the campaign focuses on reducing pendency and improving work efficiency through record digitisation, file weeding, and better record management.

Schools are undertaking maintenance work such as whitewashing, painting, minor electrical repairs, and upkeep of toilets and drinking water facilities. Campuses are also being improved with murals and wall art inspired by local art forms, including Madhubani and Warli.

Over 60,000 files reviewed under campaign

The Education Ministry states that as of October 15, 2025, DoSEL reported significant progress under the campaign. Out of 233 references from Members of Parliament (MPs), 140 have been disposed of. Of 1,111 public grievances, 607 have been resolved, while 241 out of 510 public grievance appeals have been addressed.

It further states that out of 70,596 physical files due for review, 60,659 have been examined. A total of 556 e-files were reviewed and 345 closed. Against the target of conducting 3,49,934 campaigns in offices and schools, 61,243 have been completed so far.

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DoSEL, UNICEF hold E-waste webinar

As part of Mission LiFE’s theme of ‘Reducing E-waste’, DoSEL and UNICEF held a webinar on October 9, chaired by Secretary Sanjay Kumar. He emphasised the need to create awareness on responsible E-waste management among students and teachers.

Joint Secretary Amarpreet Duggal outlined practical measures such as using devices for their full life cycle and preferring cloud storage over USB drives. The webinar saw participation from over 1.5 lakh attendees.

E-waste drives in five states

Following the webinar, E-waste awareness and management drives launched in Assam, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chandigarh from October 10 under Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE.

The press release states that more than 1,000 schools are conducting these activities in line with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s E-waste Management Guidelines.

Schools have also been encouraged to involve alumni, Panchayati Raj Institutions, School Management Committees, and community members through the Vidyanjali platform at vidyanjali.education.gov.in. The Ministry stated that the collective effort aims to strengthen community participation and promote sustainable practices in education.

“Through these concerted efforts under Special Campaign 5.0, the Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to fostering clean, efficient and environmentally responsible institutions,” the press release said.