The Indian government's recent cleanliness drive has yielded a substantial financial return, with the sale of scrap materials generating ₹800 crore. This amount is reportedly enough to procure approximately seven Vande Bharat train sets, highlighting the potential of waste management and efficient resource utilization.
The month-long campaign, conducted from October 2nd to 31st, represents the largest such initiative since its inception in 2021. Coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DAR&PG), the drive involved 84 ministries, departments, and missions abroad. The campaign's scale encompassed nearly 11.58 lakh office sites.
Beyond the revenue generated, the cleanliness drive also resulted in the freeing up of a record 232 lakh square feet of office space and the clearing of 29 lakh physical files. Since 2021, these campaigns have collectively earned the government ₹4,100 crore from scrap sales, cleared 166.95 lakh files, and freed up 928.84 lakh square feet of space.
The government has conducted five successful special campaigns between 2021 and 2025, which have helped to institutionalize cleanliness and reduce the amount of pending work in government offices.
The success of this initiative underscores the government's commitment to "Swachhta" (cleanliness) and efficient governance. By converting discarded materials into revenue, the government demonstrates a practical approach to resource management that can contribute to funding essential infrastructure projects like the Vande Bharat trains.
The Vande Bharat Express is a semi-high-speed, intercity electric multiple unit train operated by the Indian Railways. As a symbol of modernization and enhanced connectivity, these trains are crucial to upgrading the nation's railway infrastructure. The revenue generated from the scrap sale could, therefore, be strategically invested in expanding and improving this vital transportation network.
The special campaign was reviewed by Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State from various ministries. They held regular interactions with staff and conducted ministerial review meetings focused on reducing the pendency of public grievances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently urged ministries to perform actively under the special campaign.
This initiative showcases how a focused and well-executed cleanliness drive can generate significant financial resources and promote efficient governance. The funds garnered from the sale of scrap not only contribute to the exchequer but can also be channelled towards developing crucial infrastructure, such as modern train sets, that benefit the citizens.
