Rajasthan Launches Utensil Bank Scheme to Reduce Plastic Use
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Utensil Bank Scheme |
| Launched By | State Education and Panchayati Raj Minister |
| Launch Date | 12th April 2025 |
| Location | Baran district, Rajasthan |
| Objective | Reduce plastic use, promote environmental protection in rural areas |
| Key Feature | Utensil sets available on rent for Rs 3 for weddings/social events |
| Initial Coverage | 24 Gram Panchayats |
| Future Plan | Establish utensil banks in all Gram Panchayats |
| Inscription | Gram Panchayat name and Swachh Bharat Mission on each utensil |
| Discounts | 50% discount for BPL, SC, ST, and Divyangjan categories |
| Maintenance | Responsibility of self-help groups (SHGs) |
| Operation | Managed through Rajivika (under National Rural Livelihoods Mission) |
| Funding | Rs 1 lakh provided to each Gram Panchayat |
| Related Initiative | Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) |
| SBM Launch Date | 2 October 2014 (Gandhi Jayanti) |
| SBM Objective | Create a clean India by 2019 |
| SBM Implementation | Urban: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Rural: Ministry of Jal Shakti |