Swachhata Campaign 5.0 Yields Rs 387 Crore In Scrap Sales Within Three Weeks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for a cleaner, more efficient India has received a major boost, as the Special Swachhata Campaign 5.0 has generated Rs 387 crore from scrap sales within its first three weeks.

Officials project that the total revenue could rise to between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 crore by the campaign’s close on 31 October.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, praised the initiative. He called it a model example of the government’s ‘Waste to Wealth’ approach.

Singh noted that more than 148 lakh square feet of office space have already cleared, with over 5.5 lakh sites participating nationwide.

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) spearheads the campaign, which began on 2 October, Gandhi Jayanti.

Now in its fifth edition, the month-long drive expands upon the 2014 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, shifting focus from sanitation alone to include waste recovery, digital efficiency, and sustainable resource use.

At a recent Group of Ministers meeting, Dr Singh reviewed progress and highlighted how the campaign promotes fiscal discipline, transparency, and behavioural change within government offices.

He later shared an update on the social media platform, accompanied by images of newly organised workspaces that reflect the campaign’s visible achievements.

Taking to X, he posted, “In the campaign lasting from October 2 to 31, the figures of first three weeks reveal that, so far, ₹387 crore have already been earned by disposing of the scrap and by the time the four week campaign closes, the figure is likely to go up to nearly rupees eight to ten thousand crore. In addition, over 148 Lakh Sq. Ft. space has been freed so far.”

Technology and Best Practices in Focus

The Minister encouraged ministries and state departments to adopt modern tools such as AI-based inventory management to boost efficiency.

“This isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about converting waste into wealth, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s progressive blueprint for Viksit Bharat,” he further asserted.

Dr Singh also called for the continued use of best practices such as e-waste auctions and systematic document shredding to maintain cleanliness and accountability.

Early indicators show strong participation across the country. Discarded files, electronics, and machinery have not only generated new revenue but also reclaimed essential workspace for productive purposes.

At the India Meteorological Department (IMD), for example, outdated weather equipment was auctioned for Rs 30 lakh, freeing about 600 square metres at its Mausam Bhawan office.

Similarly, the DARPG headquarters at Sardar Patel Bhawan saw the closure and digitisation of hundreds of files, with electronic waste adding to the revenue stream.

Across departments, tonnes of obsolete materials remain removed, reducing storage expenses and the environmental burden.

The campaign has also honoured 48 ‘Safai Mitras’ from various offices for their outstanding contributions to cleanliness and waste management.

As the campaign enters its final phase, experts believe its success demonstrates the potential of the ‘Waste to Wealth’ concept to inspire future initiatives across public sector undertakings, unlocking further economic value.

Coinciding with Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on 31 October, the conclusion of Swachhata Campaign 5.0 highlights how cleanliness has evolved from a seasonal activity into a lasting national commitment towards a cleaner, more efficient India.

Also Read: Election Commission Launches Special Intensive Revision Drive Across 12 States And UTs