Leaders Lead by Example in Record Weeding Exercise
Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, along with Dr. Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Shri R.K. Pattanayak, Additional Secretary and Nodal Officer, and Dr. K.V. Kumar, Additional Secretary, visited the Department’s Record Room on October 29, 2025. The visit aimed to personally review the systematic disposal of outdated files and records.
During the visit, Dr. Mani not only observed the process but also demonstrated the correct use of the shredding machine. His active involvement reflected leadership by example, ensuring that the procedures followed were efficient, secure, and transparent. The demonstration also emphasized the importance of data protection and proper documentation during the disposal process.
Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
Dr. Mani appreciated the dedicated efforts of all staff members involved in the campaign. He emphasized that the campaign was not merely about cleanliness or paperwork reduction, but about fostering a culture of accountability and systematic record management across departments.
The Ministry has been aligning its activities with the government’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”, where efficiency and digital management are central to administrative reforms. The weeding out exercise supports the creation of digital storage capacity and ensures quick retrieval of essential files while discarding redundant ones.
Special Campaign 5.0: A Nationwide Governance Initiative
The Special Campaign 5.0 is being implemented across ministries and departments under the Government of India to enhance workplace cleanliness, improve file management, and reduce delays in public service delivery. The initiative has helped streamline processes, modernize record-keeping systems, and reinforce transparency in governance.
Under this campaign, ministries are identifying old physical files and disposing of them following due diligence and record retention rules. The effort not only optimizes space but also symbolizes the government’s commitment to ethical, efficient, and environmentally responsible governance.
As part of the campaign, the Ministry of Law and Justice has been consistently setting benchmarks in effective record management and promoting Swachhata through sustained employee participation and innovation.
Driving the Message of Good Governance
Through initiatives like Special Campaign 5.0, the Ministry reaffirms its dedication to institutional transparency and operational efficiency. By setting a high standard of leadership participation, the campaign continues to inspire departments across India to adopt similar practices in their daily administrative functions.
The Ministry’s proactive role highlights how good governance starts from within by maintaining an organized system, empowering employees, and embracing accountability as a core value. The ongoing campaign represents a step toward a more transparent, responsive, and efficient administrative ecosystem.
