Higher Education Department Reviews 95% Files, Earns Rs 6.89 Crore From Scrap

The Department of Higher Education has reviewed more than 95% of its physical files and over 87% of its electronic files under Special Campaign 5.0, according to official data. The exercise covered around 1,159 locations across the country and aimed to improve record management, reduce pending work and make better use of office space.

A total of 2,04,859 physical files, representing 95.2% of the department’s records, were reviewed, along with 62,564 e-files, or 87.46%. The campaign helped free 14,44,839 square feet of office space and generated Rs 6.89 crore through the disposal of scrap.

More than 3,312 files were digitised, while 90,629 physical and electronic files were weeded out or closed. The exercise formed part of a wider government effort to improve cleanliness, efficiency and record management across offices, autonomous organisations and centrally funded higher education institutions.

Separately, the Ministry of Education said 24,126 public grievances and 4,177 grievance appeals were disposed of between November 2025 and August 2026 as part of efforts to reduce pending public-interface matters.

The department is now preparing for Special Campaign 6.0, scheduled from October 2 to 31, 2026. Its preparatory phase is underway from September 15 to 30.

The upcoming campaign will focus on clearing pending matters, improving workplace and space management, disposing of outdated materials and strengthening scientific e-waste management. It will cover government offices, autonomous organisations and centrally funded higher education institutions.

Officials will also track pending public grievances, parliamentary assurances, inter-ministerial communications and VVIP references. Progress will be reported daily, while public participation and sustainability initiatives will be promoted through social media under #SpecialCampaign6.