One Rupee Store Chandigarh has become one of the most impactful civic initiatives in the city, blending social welfare, environmental responsibility, and human dignity into a single model. Launched by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC), this initiative allows people in need to purchase refurbished household essentials for just one rupee, making basic necessities accessible while promoting dignity and sustainable practices.
With the opening of the second outlet at Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38C, Chandigarh has reinforced its commitment to the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR). While primarily designed to support safaikarmacharis and economically weaker sections, the initiative also encourages citizens to actively participate by donating usable items instead of discarding them.
This guide by Chandigarhut.in explores how One Rupee Store Chandigarh operates, its benefits, and how it is shaping urban living in Chandigarh.
What Is the One Rupee Store Chandigarh Initiative?
The One Rupee Store Chandigarh is a unique municipal reuse program where donated items are collected, cleaned, repaired, and made available at a nominal price of ₹1. This structured model transforms potential waste into valuable resources, while allowing beneficiaries to choose items according to their needs.
Unlike traditional handouts, this initiative promotes empowerment. Beneficiaries can select items such as clothing, utensils, books, and household essentials, creating a sense of ownership and pride.
Key Objectives of One Rupee Store Chandigarh:
- Preserve social dignity for the needy
- Reduce urban waste and landfill pressure
- Provide affordable access to essentials
- Encourage citizen participation in sustainability
By addressing both social and environmental challenges, this initiative stands apart from standard charity models.
Why Chandigarh Needed This Initiative
Urban cities like Chandigarh face two major issues simultaneously:
- Large amounts of household waste generated daily
- Economic struggles among low-income residents
One Rupee Store Chandigarh solves both problems by reintroducing donated items into the system, turning potential waste into usable resources.
Problems Addressed:
- Rising urban waste and landfill accumulation
- Economic disparity and lack of affordable essentials
- Promoting environmental sustainability
- Encouraging responsible consumer behavior
This initiative creates a practical, humane, and sustainable solution that benefits both society and the environment.
Second Outlet Opens at Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38C
Following the success of the first outlet, the second One Rupee Store Chandigarh was inaugurated at Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38C. The ceremony was led by Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, along with senior Municipal Corporation officials and local residents.
This outlet specifically targets safaikarmacharis, ensuring easy access to essential items in a respectful and inclusive environment. Its location within a community space reinforces the spirit of community support and collaboration.
Role of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation
Since 2023, the Chandigarh MC has actively promoted sustainable behavior and environmentally responsible practices across the city. The One Rupee Store Chandigarh is an extension of this vision, demonstrating how civic initiatives can address social welfare and environmental goals simultaneously.
Responsibilities of the MC:
- Collection of donated items from citizens
- Cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing goods
- Quality control and safety checks
- Transparent and fair distribution
This structured governance has ensured the initiative’s long-term success and public trust.
RRR Centre, Sector 17: The Operational Backbone
The RRR Centre in Sector 17 serves as the heart of the One Rupee Store Chandigarh initiative. All donations—ranging from clothing to household items—are collected, inspected, and refurbished before being distributed.
Items Accepted:
- Clothing and footwear
- Books and stationery
- Kitchenware and crockery
- Toys and home décor items
- Small furniture and basic electronics
By ensuring quality and usability, the RRR Centre guarantees that One Rupee Store Chandigarh maintains high standards and reliability.
What Can You Buy at One Rupee Store Chandigarh?
Despite the symbolic price, the variety of items available at One Rupee Store Chandigarh is vast and practical.
Common Essentials Include:
- Shirts, trousers, suits, sarees
- Shoes, slippers, bags, briefcases
- School books, notebooks, and stationery
- Toys, bed sheets, blankets
- Kitchen utensils and home accessories
This variety ensures that people can select what they truly need, rather than receiving generic aid.
Who Benefits the Most from This Initiative?
The primary beneficiaries of One Rupee Store Chandigarh include:
- Safaikarmacharis
- Low-income urban workers
- Economically weaker families
At the same time, the initiative benefits the entire city by promoting a culture of reuse, cleaner surroundings, and responsible consumption.
Why Charge ₹1 Instead of Giving Items for Free?
Charging a nominal price at One Rupee Store Chandigarh has multiple benefits:
- Preserves dignity and self-respect of beneficiaries
- Encourages mindful selection of items
- Prevents misuse or hoarding
- Creates a sense of ownership and responsibility
This approach has been key to the initiative’s long-term sustainability.
Public Participation: The Key to Success
Citizen involvement plays a crucial role in the success of One Rupee Store Chandigarh. Residents from across the city donate items regularly, ensuring a continuous supply.
This collaboration between the public and the administration reflects Chandigarh’s progressive civic culture and collective responsibility toward sustainability.
Environmental Impact
By promoting reuse at scale ,One Rupee Store Chandigarh contributes significantly to environmental sustainability:
- Reduces landfill waste and urban clutter
- Conserves natural resources and energy
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Promotes a circular economy
The initiative translates environmental policy into practical daily action, making sustainability accessible to everyone.
Achievements So Far
Since its launch, One Rupee Store Chandigarh has achieved:
- Reuse of over 30,000 items
- Establishment of multiple temporary and permanent outlets
- Increased awareness about Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) practices
- Strong community participation and citizen engagement
These results show how small initiatives can create city-wide change.
Future Expansion Plans
Encouraged by public support, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation plans to:
- Open more outlets across various sectors
- Organize mobile one-rupee stores for wider reach
- Expand donation drives and awareness programs
- Make reuse a daily habit for every citizen
This forward-thinking approach ensures the initiative remains sustainable and scalable.
How Citizens Can Contribute
Every resident can play a part in the success of One Rupee Store Chandigarh by:
- Donating clean and usable household items
- Encouraging friends and neighbors to donate
- Practicing reduce-and-reuse habits at home
- Supporting civic and sustainability initiatives
Even a single donated item can significantly improve the life of someone in need.
Social Impact: Dignity and Empowerment
The true success of One Rupee Store Chandigarh lies in its human-centered approach. Beneficiaries can choose what they need, giving them a sense of independence and dignity. This reduces stigma, builds confidence, and encourages responsible usage.
Circular Economy in Action
The initiative demonstrates how a circular economy model can be implemented at the city level:
- Donations → Refurbishment → Redistribution → Reuse
This loop reduces waste, conserves resources, and promotes sustainable urban living—proving that environmental action does not require massive infrastructure.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
One Rupee Store Chandigarh aligns with:
- Swachh Bharat Mission
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 11 and SDG 12
It shows how local civic initiatives can directly contribute to national and global sustainability targets.
Challenges and Solutions
The initiative has faced challenges such as:
- Managing large-scale donations
- Sorting and storing items efficiently
- Maintaining consistent quality
The Municipal Corporation has addressed these through:
- Better logistics and storage
- Improved refurbishment processes
- Expansion of collection points
These measures ensure reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is One Rupee Store Chandigarh?
It is a municipal initiative where refurbished items are sold for ₹1 to promote sustainability and social welfare.
2. Who can shop at the store?
Primarily safaikarmacharis and low-income families identified by the administration.
3. Where can people donate items?
At the RRR Centre, Sector 17, Chandigarh.
4. Are the items cleaned and safe?
Yes, all items are inspected, cleaned, and repaired before distribution.
5. Can anyone donate items?
Yes, all Chandigarh residents can contribute.
6. Will more stores open in the future?
Yes, more outlets and mobile stores are planned across the city..
Conclusion:
One Rupee Store Chandigarh is more than a welfare program—it is a movement toward responsible, sustainable urban living. By transforming potential waste into essential resources, the city promotes inclusivity, dignity, and environmental awareness.
Have unused clothes, books, or household items?
Donate at RRR Centre, Sector 17, Chandigarh
Support One Rupee Store Chandigarh and help build a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive city
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