Modi government earned ₹4,100cr by selling scrap from offices
What's the story
The Indian government has earned nearly ₹4,100 crore in the last five years by disposing scrap from its offices. The initiative is part of a broader cleanliness campaign aimed at decluttering central government offices. Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed this information while highlighting the financial gains and space freed up through these efforts.
Figures
A look at the revenue breakdown
Singh explained that the total revenue includes ₹3,300 crore earned at the end of last year's special Swachhata (cleanliness) campaign 4.0, and an additional ₹788.53 crore from this year's campaign 5.0, which ran from October 2-31, 2025. He said, "Total revenue of over ₹4,088.53 crore has been earned through five dedicated annual cleanliness campaigns lasting one month each since 2021."
Campaign origin
Prime Minister's appeal led to mass movement
Recalling his first Independence Day address, Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a cleanliness initiative from the Red Fort had sparked a mass movement. The minister noted that this appeal led to the construction of over four lakh toilets in the first year alone. He also revealed that a campaign was launched to clear out redundant office files, broken furniture, and other junk from government offices.
Campaign evolution
New dimensions added to campaign every year
Singh said that every year new dimensions were added to the campaign. In 2021, it was decided that while the Swachhata movement would continue, there shall be a dedicated special Swachhata campaign from October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) to October 31. All government ministries and departments were expected to actively participate and regularly report on their progress during this period.
Scrap recycling
Electronic scrap can be disposed of and recycled
Singh also highlighted the presence of electronic scrap in government offices over the last three years. He said this could be disposed of not just for state revenue but also recycled to generate wealth from waste. The minister claimed that as much as 231.75 lakh square feet of space was cleared for productive use that was previously occupied by waste materials, worn-out furniture, and scrap through these campaigns.