IndianOil launches Swachhata Pakhwada 2026, honours sanitation workers

IndianOil’s Director (Refineries), Arvind Kumar, on Wednesday inaugurated Swachhata Pakhwada 2026 at the company’s Refineries Headquarters, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting cleanliness, hygiene and community participation.

As part of the inaugural programme, Kumar felicitated members of the housekeeping team, recognised as “Swachhata Mitras”, for their contribution to maintaining clean and hygienic workplaces.

He also distributed Swachhata Kits to the sanitation workers, administered the Swachhata Pledge and unveiled a thematic poster carrying this year’s message, “Swachhata is Everyone’s Responsibility.”

Swachhata Pakhwada is observed twice a year across ministries and departments of the Government of India under the broader Swachh Bharat Mission.

The fortnight-long campaign seeks to institutionalise cleanliness through sanitation drives, hygiene awareness and public participation, encouraging organisations to make cleanliness a sustained practice rather than a one-time activity.

Addressing the gathering, Kumar said cleanliness should become an integral part of daily life and a shared social responsibility. He noted that IndianOil’s Refineries Division observes Swachhata Pakhwada across its headquarters and refinery units through a range of activities, including cleanliness drives, shramdaan, plantation programmes and awareness campaigns involving employees as well as contract workers.

He said the company’s continuous efforts to promote cleanliness among its workforce have helped foster a culture where hygiene and safety are viewed as collective responsibilities.

During the fortnight, IndianOil’s refineries and other establishments across the country will organise a series of cleanliness drives, plantation programmes, voluntary labour activities and awareness initiatives. The campaign aims to encourage sustainable habits and greater public participation while engaging employees, contract workers and communities located around its operational units.