Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of systematic disposal of electronic scrap, the need to recognize the residual value of obsolete office equipment, and the role of GeM Portal in facilitating the process during a campaign at the Department of Personnel and Training.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, emphasized the importance of systematic disposal of electronic scrap during an e-waste disposal activity at the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under Special Swachhata Campaign 6.0 on October 21, 2026.
The Minister highlighted that each successive campaign seeks to incorporate new elements based on the experience of previous editions, with one important learning being the value of scrap generated through the disposal of obsolete electronic equipment and other unused items, which can yield substantial revenue when handled systematically.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that approximately ₹490 crore had been generated through the disposal of scrap within the first 15–17 days of the campaign. He expressed confidence that the figure would more than double by October 31.
Highlighting the change in the approach to disposal, the Minister said that scrap was earlier sent to the market without a uniformised process, whereas the present campaign has adopted the GeM Portal for the disposal exercise. This approach reflects the growing recognition that obsolete equipment should not simply be treated as waste, but that its residual value can also be realized.
Three auction notices were floated on the GeM Portal on September 30, 2026, covering obsolete and unused IT items, electrical and electronic items, and furniture. The IT category comprises 152 desktops, 35 printers, eight scanners, three photocopier machines, 59 UPS units, and 217 miscellaneous items, including keyboards and mice. The electrical and electronic category includes 52 air conditioners, four televisions, five refrigerators, and 17 water dispensers. The furniture category includes chairs, tables, almirahs, sofas, drawers, and workstations, among other items.
The disposal exercise forms part of the Department's activities under Special Campaign 6.0, combining the objective of cleanliness with the systematic disposal of obsolete assets and the realization of their residual value.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
