New Delhi: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the implementing agency of the government’s flagship Namami Gange programme, has been granted income tax exemption status by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the apex body for direct tax administration in India.
According to a recent notification issued by the Finance Ministry, the NMCG has been recognized as an authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As a result, it will now be eligible for income tax exemption beginning with the assessment year 2024–25.
The exemption is granted under sub-clause (a) of clause (46A) of the Income Tax Act, which covers authorities constituted for the purpose of promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and public welfare. The notification makes it clear that the exemption will remain valid only as long as the NMCG continues to function within the scope of these objectives under the Environment (Protection) Act.
Operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the NMCG plays a critical role in the preservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River. Its key initiatives include the construction of sewage treatment plants, river surface cleaning, afforestation, industrial effluent monitoring, and encouraging public participation in efforts to conserve the river.
This move is expected to strengthen the financial position of the NMCG and support its ongoing projects across multiple states aimed at cleaning and restoring the Ganga ecosystem.
