Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Personnel, delivered an inspiring address at the National Workshop on Good Governance Practices. Held during Good Governance Week (December 19–25) and coinciding with the centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth, the workshop celebrated transformative reforms in governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The “Whole-of-Government” Approach
Dr. Singh praised the collaborative efforts across ministries and departments, emphasizing the success of the “whole-of-government” approach. He highlighted its role in implementing efficient, inclusive, and impactful governance reforms that have driven administrative and social advancements.
Waste to Wealth: A Key Pillar of Governance
A major theme of the Minister’s address was the innovative approach to waste management. He detailed the success of the Swachhata Campaign, which generated over ₹2,364 crore by monetizing scrap materials from government offices. This initiative also reclaimed over 643 lakh square feet of office space, which can now be repurposed.
Dr. Singh compared this financial success to India’s Chandrayaan mission, noting, “While Chandrayaan cost ₹600 crore, we earned four times that by converting waste into wealth.”
Circular Economy Leadership
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s strides in the global circular economy movement. From recycling household waste into fuel to converting used cooking oil into biofuel, India is setting benchmarks in sustainable practices. He spotlighted innovative projects, including mobile waste conversion vans and grassroots recycling programs like a pilot initiative in Dehradun. “Every bit of waste is wealth,” he affirmed, underscoring sustainability as central to India’s economic vision.
Societal Participation and Grassroots Impact
Reflecting on transformational initiatives like the construction of over 4 lakh women’s toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of aligning governance with public participation. He urged greater involvement from local communities, panchayats, and civil society to ensure sustainable governance reforms.
Special Campaign 4.0: A Governance Milestone
During the event, Dr. Singh released the assessment report of Special Campaign 4.0, showcasing significant achievements in cleanliness, file clearance, and optimization of office spaces. He also inaugurated an exhibition of “waste to wealth” products created by government departments, further promoting sustainable practices.
Vision for New India
Concluding his address, Dr. Singh articulated the vision for New India, where governance transforms challenges into opportunities through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. “Good governance is not just about policies; it’s about creating a system where nothing goes to waste,” he said. He emphasized the integration of administrative reforms, technological solutions, and societal engagement as the cornerstone of this model.
Key Takeaways
- The success of the Swachhata Campaign, generating over ₹2,364 crore through waste monetization.
- The pivotal role of grassroots initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission in driving societal change.
- India’s leadership in sustainable governance and the circular economy through innovative waste management practices.
Attendees
The event saw participation from notable dignitaries, including Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG; Smt. Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Posts; Shri R. Rajagopal, DG(HR), Railway Board; and Shri Arun Singhal, DG, National Archives of India.
Dr. Singh’s call for ongoing collaboration and innovation sets the tone for the rest of Good Governance Week, ensuring the lessons learned inspire future reforms and initiatives across India.
