Corporate sectors, individuals donate over Rs 666 crore in Swachh Bharat Kosh: Government

The corporate sector and individuals have donated more than Rs 666 crore since 2014 in the Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK), the government informed parliament on Wednesday.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi informed about the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds the government has received to achieve the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

"In the year 2014-15, the government has received an amount of Rs 15,961.19 lakhs, in the year 2015-2016 an amount of Rs 25,324.64 has been received, in the year 2016-17 donation received was Rs 24,504.86 and for the year 2017-18 the government has received an amount of Rs 877.01 till now," Jigajinagi said in a written reply to a question.

Informing the house, the minister has said that Rs. 633.98 crores has been spent from Swachh Bharat Kosh towards SBM.

He added the SBM guidelines allows association of different groups in the implementation of the programme which includes individuals as well as corporates.

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Jigajinagi also informed that the ministry approaches the corporate sector to contribute towards the SBK as part of their CSR contribution.

"Apart from the SBK, the Swachh Iconic Places project under the SBM aims to achieve high level of cleanliness in and around the iconic sites across the country having historical, religious and cultural significance.

The project entails association of the corporate partner which render financial and technical assistance," the minister pointed out.