Silchar: A special cleanliness drive was carried out in Silchar on Friday under the national theme “Swacchata Hi Swatantrata” (Cleanliness is Freedom), jointly organized by the Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Shristi Waste Management Team. The initiative aimed to promote institutional hygiene and inspire civic responsibility by ensuring cleanliness across key government and public offices in the town.

The campaign covered prominent public institutions, including the District Commissioner’s Office, Government Girls’ School, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Office, Court Compound, Election Office, Divisional Forest Office (DFO), and the Zila Parishad Office.

Field officials of the SMC, supported by Shristi Waste Management teams, led the cleaning activities. The drive received a major boost from community participation, with 10 volunteers from Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, 80 members from A.L.F. (Maa Janani Samaj Seva), and several Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Nilambari SHG, Maa Durga SHG, Sakshi SHG, and Padmanagar Unnayan Samity taking part enthusiastically. Civic-minded individuals, including Rajiv Kumar, also extended voluntary support.

SMC Commissioner Srishti Singh, IAS, lauded the initiative in an official statement:

“Cleanliness is fundamental to the image and efficiency of public institutions. Initiatives like Swacchata Hi Swatantrata remind us that every government office should reflect dignity, discipline, and hygiene. I appreciate the contribution of all volunteers, officials, and SHG members for their dedication to this meaningful campaign.”

Apart from improving sanitation in high-footfall public offices, the campaign sought to create awareness among staff and visitors about maintaining a clean workplace. Posters and banners carrying the message “Swacchata Hi Swatantrata” were displayed at the cleaned sites to reinforce the values of cleanliness and civic responsibility.

SMC has announced plans to continue such institutional cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with a focus on involving more wards and community organizations in the future.The event concluded with appreciation from office staff, local citizens, and volunteers, reaffirming the collective resolve to build a cleaner and healthier Silchar.