Union Minister for River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that he had written to President Ram Nath Kovind, asking him to donate a month’s salary to the government’s Clean Ganga Fund, PTI reported. Gadkari told reporters in New Delhi that he would also urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers, MPs, MLAs and even the public to donate a month’s salary.

Gadkari said the government had received Rs 250 crore in the Clean Ganga Fund, after it was instituted in September 2014. The Centre started the fund to receive donations from individuals and organisations.

The minister said at least one crore people should contribute to the fund. “Some people have donated even Rs 300 per month to the fund,” Gadkari said. “People can share Rs 500, Rs 1,000...whatever amount they wish to share.”

Gadkari said there was no shortage of funds for the Namami Gange programme, which has a provision of Rs 20,000 crore. Contributions to the Clean Ganga Fund are eligible for 100% tax exemption, PTI reported.