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In Pics: Narendra Modi launches Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Wielding the broom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the country's biggest-ever cleanliness drive that is expected to cost over Rs 62,000 crore, asserting that the “Swachh Bharat” mission is “beyond politics” and inspired by

In an event marked by fervour and symbolism, the Prime Minister earlier wielded a broom and swept pavement in Valmiki Basti, a colony of sanitation workers here. 

The Prime Minister said that he is aware that the criticism of this programme will begin in just a few days but said he is prepared for this exuding confidence that the countrymen will not let him down.

The urban component of the Mission is proposed to be implemented over 5 years starting from October 2, 2014 in all 4,041 statutory towns.

"Indian students participate in a walkathon as part of launching a nationwide cleanup campaign"

The total expected cost of the programme is Rs 62,009 crore, out of which the proposed central assistance will be of Rs 14,623 crore. 

The Cabinet had last month decided to merge the ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan', a campaign for rural sanitation with Swachh Bharat Mission.