National Cleanliness Week Begins Across Nepal

Kathmandu. With a new resolve to make administrative services clean, dignified, and environment-friendly, National Cleanliness Week has begun across the country from today. 

Health and Population Minister Nisha Mehata formally inaugurated this campaign by participating in a cleanliness program organized at Bir Hospital. The government has decided to conduct this campaign in all government offices at the federal, provincial, and local levels from today until Jestha 1. 

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued a special directive instructing all bodies from federal ministries to local levels to actively participate in this campaign. As per the 'Guideline on Conducting Cleanliness Week, 2083' issued by the government, the goal is to implement cleanliness standards to achieve maximum results at minimum cost. 

This step has been taken in the context where the lack of clear standards for regular cleanliness and waste management in government offices has been negatively impacting service delivery and the health of employees and service recipients. The background of the guideline states, 'Effective cleanliness management is necessary to maintain a clean and safe working environment in government bodies'.

According to the guideline, government notice boards, citizen charters, and signages will now be made clear and organized, and cracked or peeling walls will be repaired and repainted. A plan is in place to keep the main service areas and entrances particularly attractive and clean. 

Toilets will be made odor-free with regular water supply and soap will be mandatory in handwashing stations. Rules have been made that toilets should be women-friendly and equipped with 'sanitary disposal' facilities, and daily cleaning records must be maintained.

For waste management, offices must have at least two types of dustbins to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Old, unusable items will be properly managed, and open burning of garbage is completely prohibited.

Indicators have been set to keep the area within 100 meters of the office premises, drains, and sewers clean, and to remove disorganized wires or posters. A 'Help Desk' will be arranged and the information system will be fully operational to create an environment where service recipients feel respected.

To make this campaign sustainable, each body must designate a 'Cleanliness Contact Person'. The guideline includes provisions for creating a weekly cleaning schedule and conducting self-assessments monthly. The entire responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the campaign has been entrusted to the heads of the respective bodies. This campaign will cover all federal, provincial, and local offices, as well as public educational institutions.

Photo: Nepal Photo Library