Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 15: An online meeting, marking the culmination of the fortnight-long Swachhta Pakhwada-2020 was organized by the Central Excise and Central Taxes (GST) Commissionerate, here, on September 15.

Imamuddin Ahmad, Commissioner of Central Excise and Central Taxes (GST) who presided over the meeting, highlighted the various activities undertaken by the department during this fortnight. He also stressed the importance of cleanliness in ensuring a better quality of life and also as a catalyst for economic development.

The fortnight started with all the officers of the department, taking a Swachh pledge to remain committed toward cleanliness. A Swachh awareness webinar was conducted by Dr Suchitra Shenoy, nodal officer for COVID infection control, KMC Hospitals, for the welfare of the officers and their families. Drawing competitions for the children of the staff and essay competition for the staff were virtually conducted keeping in line with the COVID protocols. Closure of old files, disposal of waste, digitization of documents etc were also undertaken to reduce the carbon footprint in the workplace.

Swachhta's activities of the department were not just confined to the workplace. Tree plantation at Government PU College, Balmatta and Bala Samrakshana Kendra, Thokkottu was also undertaken. The department contributed 2000 sanitary napkins to the children at Bala Samrakshana Kendra. Installation of a sanitary pad vending machine is also being done at the KSRTC facility at Bejai, Mangaluru for the benefit of the general public.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, large congregations were avoided as much as possible and strict physical distancing norms were followed.