NEW DELHI, SEPT 15, 2017: THE Minister of State (Law, Justice & Corporate Affairs), Mr P.P. Chaudhary, has sought paricipation of the Companies in ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign of the Government of India and contribute 7 % of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending to Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) during ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign among others.

This campaign is starting from today and will continue till 2nd October, 2017.

The Minister said since the inception of the CSR provision under the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies have undertaken a wide range of outstanding initiatives for attaining equitable growth in the country. He said that it is now time that the Corporates start contributing immensely to Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) as part of their CSR efforts.

He further said that the Government has set-up the Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK) to attract CSR funds from the Corporate Sector and contributions from individuals and philanthropists in response to the call given by the Prime Minister on 15th August, 2014.

In a letter to the heads of various companies in operation and as a step towards making their contribution to SBM, the Minister asked them to:

i) Contribute around 7% of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending to Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) during ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign,

ii) To direct their employees to go outside their corporate premises and undertake cleanliness drive in identified localities, and

iii) Sponsor billboards for Gram Panchayats carryig the Swachhta message.