How Much Has the Union Government Earned from Scrap Material in the Nationwide Cleanliness Drive?
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Synopsis
Discover how the Indian government’s month-long cleanliness campaign has generated over Rs 800 crore from scrap sales. This initiative not only cleared office space but also set a new benchmark in administrative efficiency, showcasing the government's ongoing commitment to Swachhata and reform. Dive into the details and impact of this transformative drive!
Key Takeaways
- Generated Rs 800 crore from scrap sales.
- Cleared 232 lakh square feet of office space.
- Removed 29 lakh physical files.
- Involved 84 ministries and departments.
- Strengthened commitment to Swachhata and governance.
New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) In an impressive result of the Centre’s month-long Swachhta campaign, the government has successfully raised over Rs 800 crore through the sale of scrap materials from various ministries and departments.
This initiative, which took place from October 2 to 31, marks the largest campaign since its inception in 2021, leading to the clearing of a record 232 lakh square feet of office space and the removal of 29 lakh physical files, as reported by officials.
According to sources, approximately 11.58 lakh office locations were addressed under this campaign, which was coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG).
Three Union Ministers — Mansukh Mandaviya, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, and Dr Jitendra Singh — oversaw this extensive inter-ministerial effort, which involved participation from 84 ministries and departments, including India’s missions abroad.
This annual cleanliness and efficiency campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Swachhata and effective governance, has become a fundamental component of administrative reform.
Since the campaign’s launch, the government has generated nearly Rs 4,100 crore from the sale of scrap materials and obsolete assets.
Over the period from 2021 to 2025, five iterations of this campaign have institutionalized cleanliness and enhanced administrative processes. Key achievements include coverage of 23.62 lakh offices, clearance of 166.95 lakh files, and liberation of 928.84 lakh square feet of space.
This year’s campaign also aimed to mitigate delays in government operations.
Cabinet ministers actively reviewed progress and engaged with officials to ensure that objectives were realized. Regular meetings were conducted to monitor the resolution of pending files and grievances.
Recently, Union Minister Singh highlighted that the government accrued Rs 3,296.71 crore from the disposal of e-waste and scrap, while over 696.27 lakh sq. ft. of office space has been cleared and redirected for productive use over the past four years.
During the launch of the “Special Swachhta Campaign 5.0” at Nehru Park in the national capital, Dr Singh remarked that the campaign has resulted in noticeable improvements in governance and public services.
He stressed that in earlier phases of the campaign, more than 12.04 lakh cleanliness sites nationwide were addressed and over 137.86 lakh obsolete files were eliminated.
To acknowledge these achievements, the minister praised the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and other involved departments.
He also participated in activities aimed at removing outdated files, a tree plantation drive under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, and community service activities.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of the government's ongoing efforts towards cleanliness and efficiency. The recent results from the swachhta campaign highlight a significant commitment to reform and transparency, reflecting a positive trend in governance that prioritizes public service and effective administration.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total revenue generated from the cleanliness campaign?
The cleanliness campaign generated over Rs 800 crore from the sale of scrap materials.
How many office sites were covered in the campaign?
Approximately 11.58 lakh office locations were covered under the campaign.
What are some key achievements of this year's campaign?
This year's campaign cleared 232 lakh square feet of office space and removed 29 lakh physical files.
Who oversaw the cleanliness campaign?
The campaign was supervised by Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, and Dr Jitendra Singh.
What is the long-term goal of these campaigns?
The long-term goal is to institutionalize cleanliness and improve administrative efficiency across government operations.
