Maharashtra government to set up cleanliness fund

MUMBAI, November 24: The Maharashtra government today decided to set up a 'Swachh Maharashtra Kosh' (Clean Maharashtra Fund) for implementation of the cleanliness drive in the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state Cabinet here, Chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The initiative is part of 'Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan (Urban and Rural)', on the lines of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.' The CM will be the Chairman of the fund. The other members include Ministers and Secretaries in Finance and Water Supply and Sanitation departments. The fund will be set up as it was felt that the allocation from the central and state governments for the cleanliness campaign wasn't sufficient, an official said. The 'Swachh Maharashtra Kosh' will be used to achieve the objective of improving cleanliness levels in rural and urban areas, Fadnavis said. It has been set up for management of contributions and corporate social responsibility funds towards this cause, he added.