Telangana’s ‘Bartan’ Bank Finds Mention In Economic Survey, Ex-Minister Calls It ‘Remarkable Achievement’

The Siddipet district of Telangana found a place in the Economic Survey on Monday for reducing plastic waste through its innovative ‘bartan’ bank. The bank, managed by self-help groups, stocks steel utensils which can be borrowed at a nominal fee for social, religious, government or other kinds of gatherings. This bank has brought down the usage of disposable plastic utensils which are the norm in gatherings today.

The initiative started when the previous state government was conducting a universal, free eye check-up scheme called ‘Kanti Velugu’ in 2022. The programme screened people in all districts for weak vision or eye ailments. For this purpose, government officials set up camps throughout the state. This meant that food arrangements had to be made for 15-20 staff daily for every meal. To overcome this, they decided to set up a utensils bank at the Gram Panchayat office. This brought down the dependence on disposable cutlery significantly.

The Economic Survey report says: “The benefits of the initiative have been the reduction of plastic waste accumulation, increased community awareness regarding the adverse effects of plastic consumption such as cancerous and digestive issues due to indirect consumption of micro-plastics, additional income sources for communities, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Gram Panchayats, which is utilised for operational, maintenance and expansion purposes. The key outcome has been reduced plastic waste collection, dumping, and burning, with an expected reduction of 6-8 kilograms of plastic waste per event and 28 quintals per month.”

Former health minister of Telangana, Harish Rao, shared this achievement of the previous government on ‘X’. He wrote: “Our #SiddipetSteelBank initiative, the first of its kind in India, being recognized in the Government of India’s Economic Survey 2023-2024 is a remarkable achievement. This innovative approach to managing plastic waste sets an exemplary model for others to follow. Congratulations to the people of #Siddipet and the dedicated Self-Help Groups for their hard work and contribution!”

Bartan Banks have been established in other states such as Odisha and Madhya Pradesh too.