‘Cleanliness Week’ begins today

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 11: The government has announced that a nationwide “Cleanliness Week 2083” will be observed from May 11-15 to make public services cleaner, more organised and environmentally friendly.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued a special guideline instructing all government bodies, from federal ministries to local governments, to actively take part in the campaign.

The national campaign will officially begin at 8:30 am on Thursday at Bir Hospital in the presence of Minister for Health and Population Nisha Meheta.

The government has also issued the “Guidelines for the Operation of Cleanliness Week, 2026”, aiming to introduce cleanliness standards in government offices at a low cost while achieving maximum results.

The guideline was prepared because the lack of proper cleaning and waste management standards in government offices has been affecting service delivery as well as the health of employees and service users.

The guideline states that “effective cleanliness management is essential to maintain a clean and safe working environment in government institutions.”

As per the guideline, government notice boards, citizen charters and signboards of all government bodies must be clear and properly organised. 

Similarly, cracked or damaged walls will be repaired and repainted, while main service areas and entrances must be kept attractive and clean. 

All toilets must be free from bad smells and supplied with regular water service. Soap will be compulsory at handwashing stations, and daily cleaning records must be maintained. Toilets should also be women-friendly, include sanitary disposal facilities, and, where possible, be accessible for persons with disabilities.

Offices must keep at least two types of dustbins to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Old and unusable materials must be managed properly, and open burning of rubbish has been completely banned.

Areas within 100 metres of office premises, including drains and sewage lines, must be kept clean. Parking areas should be improved, and unmanaged wires and posters should be removed.

Offices are also required to arrange help desks so that service users feel respected and properly guided. Information systems must be fully operational.

To ensure the campaign continues effectively, each office must appoint a “cleanliness contact person”. Offices must prepare weekly cleaning schedules and carry out monthly self-evaluations.

The guideline places full responsibility for implementation and monitoring on the heads of the respective institutions, who must also maintain proper records.

The campaign will cover all federal, provincial and local government offices, as well as public educational institutions across the country.