New Delhi:
The Union Government has decided to continue up to August 15 the "cleanliness drive" in all central government offices, public sector institutions, including banks and other departments as Prime Minister Narendra Modi "desired" so.
"The Prime Minister has now desired the 'cleanliness drive' should continue up to 15 August 2015," Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation said in a circular issued to all secretaries in the union government.
The Ministry has urged them to "initiate appropriate action" to implement the Prime Minister's decision. Earlier decision was to observe a week long "cleanliness drive" from June 22 to June 26.
With the new direction, the drive will continue in all central government establishments from June 29 till August 15. In a letter to all secretaries on June 8, the then Cabinet Secretary Ajith Seth had emphasised the need for giving "a boost" to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
"It is important that government offices are seen as well maintained and cleaned at all times," he said specifying the activities to be undertaken during the week long drive.
He had also directed the officials for the upkeep and cleanliness of offices including common area premises, toilets, stairs, lifts, parking lots and pathways.
Mr Seth had also stressed on the need for disposal of unusable vehicles, furniture, electronics and electrical equipment and weeding out old files and records.
"In order to keep up the tempo of the cleanliness drive, you may ensure that inspections are carried out regularly," says order issued by Mr Seth.