New Delhi, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) observes its month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public service, the auction of gifts and memorabilia received by him has emerged as a means of funding public welfare initiatives, including girls’ education and the Namami Gange programme.
The practice dates back to Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and has continued since he became Prime Minister in 2014. Gifts received by him, including shawls, sculptures and other memorabilia, have been monetised through auctions, with the proceeds directed towards various public causes.
Two programmes highlighted in this context are the Kanya Kelavani Nidhi and the Namami Gange programme.
As Gujarat Chief Minister, Modi laid the foundation for the Kanya Kelavani Nidhi in 2003. The dedicated fund was created to promote girls’ education and female literacy, with contributions generated through the auction of gifts received by the then Chief Minister.
The initiative was later linked to the formal Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana (MYSY), launched in 2017-18. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible female students pursuing MBBS after securing admission through NEET, including support equivalent to 50 per cent of tuition fees, according to the source.
The Namami Gange programme, launched in 2014, is aimed at rejuvenating and cleaning the Ganga and its tributaries. Proceeds from the PM Mementos e-Auction, launched in January 2019, have been dedicated to the programme.
According to government estimates cited in the source, previous editions of the auction have raised more than Rs 50 crore for the Namami Gange project.
The eighth edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction is currently featuring nearly 1,500 curated gifts and will continue until October 31. The proceeds are to be used for the river-cleaning programme.
The memorabilia on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art include items available at prices starting as low as Rs 200, making them accessible to members of the public.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, speaking at the launch of the 2026 PM Mementos e-Auction, said Modi believes that what he receives is not his to hoard and described the auction process as a channel for public participation and a national cause.
The BJP is highlighting these initiatives as part of its month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, under which party leaders and workers are seeking to showcase aspects of Modi’s public service and the government’s programmes.
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