Files to Freedom: DEPwD Drives Swachhata, Pendency Reduction and Efficient Governance

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is intensifying its efforts under Special Campaign 6 (2–31 October 2026) to reduce pendency, improve record management, free office space and ensure responsible e-waste disposal.

Key developments

Launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), the campaign aims to institutionalise Swachhata and promote efficient governance. DEPwD has nominated a Nodal Officer and advised its Attached and Subordinate Offices, Public Sector Undertakings and Autonomous Bodies to nominate Nodal Officers and identify pending matters.

Building on Special Campaign 5.0, DEPwD and its organisations digitised and weeded out 11,972 physical files/documents, freed approximately 15,588 square feet of office space, generated ₹14.47 lakh in revenue and conducted 64 cleanliness campaigns during October 2025.

Swachhata and pendency-reduction activities have continued beyond the annual campaign, with progress regularly recorded on the Special Campaign 6 Portal (SCDPM) in accordance with DARPG guidelines.

Background and details

The current progress recorded on the portal reflects the Department’s ongoing efforts towards effective record management and disposal of pending matters. Against 52 cleanliness campaigns identified for the current phase, 13 have already been conducted. Of the 928 physical files due for review, 172 have been reviewed, while 32 e-files have been put up for review.

The Department is also addressing various categories of references and public grievances as part of its pendency-reduction efforts. The portal records that 154 out of 202 targeted public grievances and 20 out of 43 public grievance appeals have been addressed. Further, 10 out of 55 references from Members of Parliament, 3 out of 8 Parliamentary Assurances, 2 out of 2 JMC References relating to Cabinet Proposals, and 4 out of 6 PMO References have been addressed.

As part of the ongoing Swachhata Special Campaign 6, a cleanliness activity was conducted on 8th October 2026 at the Guest House of Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) and its adjoining areas. The activity focused on maintaining cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation and promoting responsible waste-management practices, contributing to a clean, healthy campus environment.

Special Campaign 6.0 reinforces the twin objectives of Swachhata and good governance by reducing avoidable pendency, improving record management, freeing usable space and ensuring responsible disposal of obsolete material, particularly e-waste. It seeks to transform redundant records and material into opportunities for greater efficiency, accountability and optimal utilisation of public resources.