The World Bank on Wednesday announced a major $1 billion aid to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. World Bank's India director Onno Ruhl said that the bank is considering financing significant sums that has to be invested in the programme.

PM Modi offers prayers at Varanasi Assi ghat, launches 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The Modi government is said to have asked the World Bank at the highest levels to assist with its funding requirements, which saw WB teams working non-stop to make the deal come through, said Ruhl.

He added that the discussions are still open, and hence they would not be in a position to reveal the exact sum. However, Ruhl noted that the amount would not be less than $1 billion.

The funding would target the government initiative in low-income states, read Firstpost.

The World Bank funding is expected to make the scheme more 'result focused'.

On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nation's biggest-ever cleanliness drive, expected to cost over ₹62,000 crore.