india

Updated: Sep 03, 2019 01:42 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive an award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan during his visit to the United States later this month.

Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said on Monday that “diligent and innovative” initiatives of Prime Minister were brining laurels from across the world.

“Another award, another moment of pride for every Indian, as PM Modi’s diligent and innovative initiatives bring laurels from across the world. Sh Narendra Modi to receive award from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan during his visit to the United States,” he said in a tweet.

The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014 and its components include the construction of household toilets, community and public toilets and solid waste management.

Reacting to the news, a key affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) PM Modi to decline the award, questioning the credibility of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The appeal was made to the PM on Monday by Ashwani Mahajan, the national co-convener of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an arm of the RSS that deals with economic affairs and has long been a promoter of what it describes as “national self-reliance”.