The Department of Higher Education under the Union Ministry of Education has completed a major file review exercise under Special Campaign 5.0, clearing nearly 95 percent of its physical files and 87.5 percent of its electronic files. The department worked across approximately 1,159 sites nationwide to reduce pending matters and improve office operations. It now plans to launch Special Campaign 6.0 in October 2026 with similar goals.
What was achieved and what comes next
Under Special Campaign 5.0, the Department of Higher Education reviewed 2,04,859 physical files and 62,564 e-files. The exercise freed up 14,44,839 square feet of office space by removing outdated materials. The department digitized 3,312 files and weeded out or closed 90,629 physical and electronic files. Through the sale of scrap materials, it generated revenue of 6.89 crore rupees.
Between November 2025 and August 2026, as part of its broader disposal campaign for pending matters, the department settled 24,126 public grievances and 4,177 public grievance appeals.
The upcoming Special Campaign 6.0 will run from October 2 to 31, 2026, with a preparatory phase starting September 15. During this period, the department will focus on clearing remaining pending issues, including public complaints, parliamentary assurances, and communications from other ministries. Heads of centrally funded educational institutions, the University Grants Commission, AICTE and departmental bureaus are being asked to set specific targets for their offices.
Special Campaign 6.0 will place particular emphasis on proper handling of electronic waste, including its collection, sorting and disposal. Office cleanliness and space management will also receive attention. All participating offices must submit daily progress reports.
What this means for you
If you have filed a complaint or grievance with the Department of Higher Education or with a centrally funded college or university, your matter may be resolved more quickly through these campaigns. The focus on clearing pending public grievances suggests the department is working to reduce delays in responding to citizen concerns. Cleaner, better-organised offices and institutions may also lead to improved service delivery when you visit or interact with higher education facilities. The push for digital records means your documents are more likely to be stored and retrieved efficiently.