Swachh Bharat Kosh operational guidelines | Another Corporate Social Responsibility Fund CSR

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative led by our PM is gaining momentum in the country. It all started with his speech on 15^th August 2014 and launched on 2^nd October 2014. Politicians, celebrities, industrialists are taking part in this mission. According to me, this mission will be successful if two major infrastructure issues, namely, garbage disposal (including e-waste) and public toilets are put in place.

Government’s involvements – Thanks to our PM, every Indian is talking (atleast) about clean India. To make the Abhiyan successful, the government requires enormous amount of money. Apart from budgetary provisions, can they look for any other source of funds? Yes. Here it is.

Sourcing Funds – Apart from physical contribution (cleaning as much as one can), money contribution will also help the government to create adequate infrastructure. Those who want to contribute money to this cause can go ahead and pay. Fair enough, isn’t it? But where to contribute, whom to pay, will this donation be used to clean India etc., are the concerns of honest donors. (Quite a natural concern)

Government’s Plan – This is where the new guidelines can fit in – SWACHH BHARAT KOSH, a new fund for a noble cause.

Bank Account – A single bank account is opened in State Bank of India, New Delhi, under the operational management of the Finance Ministry. Citizens can contribute to this fund through cheque, DD, online transfer, debit or credit cards. On making the payment, an automated and digitally signed receipt gets generated. [ How to Donate ]

Where will this money be used?

• Construction of toilets

• Renovation of existing toilets

• Providing water supply to existing toilets

• Other initiatives of improving sanitation and cleanliness

• Any other related activities (may come out with a new set of ideas)

Acknowledgement by PM/ FM and other officers – The corporates can also contribute their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds to this fund. Those corporates who contribute over Rs.20 Crores and the individuals who contribute over Rs.1 Crore will receive an acknowledgement by the PM. Similarly, those who contribute between Rs.10 Crores and 20 Crores will receive an acknowledgement by the FM.

Tax benefit under Income Tax Act? Net yet announced. Maybe, in the coming budget the government may consider giving deduction u/s 80G for all the contributions made towards this fund.

Concern – I hope after a couple of years, we the citizens won’t get a chance to hear BREAKING NEWS – #Koshgate scam (say, 10,000 Cr!). Proper utilization of money is the key.

Thought for the day

Everyone must be his own scavenger. Be the change you want to see in the world– Mahatma Gandhi.

Click here to download Swachh Bharat Kosh operational guidelines

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