Addressing the National Workshop on Good Governance Practices, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative initiatives that have reshaped governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

 At the event inaugurating Good Governance Week, Dr Jitendra Singh praised the “whole-of-government” approach as a key driver of these reforms. The week, running from December 19 to 25 coincides with the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is celebrated for his legacy in governance.

Dr Jitendra Singh commended the collaborative efforts across government departments and ministries, which have advanced both administrative efficiency and social welfare. “The whole-of-government approach has harmonized efforts to implement governance reforms that are efficient, inclusive, and impactful,” he remarked. A significant aspect of his address focused on innovations in waste management and the prioritization of cleanliness, which have evolved into models of economic and environmental sustainability.

The Union Minister lauded the Swachhata Campaign, calling it a landmark initiative that has reshaped governance. Over ₹2,364 crores were generated in just four years through the systemic clearance and monetization of scrap and obsolete materials from government offices. “Governance practices have evolved from reducing file journey time and promoting digitalization to creating wealth from waste,” Dr Jitendra Singh noted.

The Minister further highlighted the financial success of this initiative by comparing it to the cost of Chandrayaan, India’s lunar mission. “While Chandrayaan cost ₹600 crore, we earned four times that by monetizing waste—resources that had been dormant for decades,” he explained. The initiative has also cleared over 643 lakh square feet of office space, creating opportunities for repurposing these areas.

Dr Jitendra Singh recalled the Prime Minister’s call for building toilets during his 2014 Independence Day speech, a pivotal moment that led to the construction of over 4 lakh women’s toilets, addressing a critical societal need. This grassroots initiative demonstrated how governance could drive transformational change.

In discussing pioneering waste management steps, the Minister pointed to initiatives like converting household waste into fuel and recycling used cooking oil into biofuel. A pilot project was undertaken in Dehradun, which curtailed harmful reuse practices and promoted recycling. “Every bit of waste is wealth,” he emphasized, highlighting India’s leadership in the global movement towards a circular economy.

As Good Governance Week continues, the Minister called for ongoing collaboration and innovation, with the lessons learned from this event set to inspire future campaigns. “The integration of administrative reforms, technological solutions, and societal participation is the cornerstone of New India’s governance model,” he concluded.