Now, 'cleanliness awards’ for private schools from next year

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar, on Saturday, said that private schools across the country will be now entitled to get the 'Swachchta Vidyalaya Puraskar'.

The Narendra Modi-led BJP government instituted the cleanliness award early this year in collaboration with UNICEF to recognise, inspire and celebrate excellence in water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in schools.

"This year 2,68,402 schools from both central and state governments participated voluntarily in the competition which is in itself an achievement. From next year the competition will be open to private schools as well,” said Javadekar.

Also Read: Failed in Class X? No worries…You will be taken care of

"35 states and union territories participated in this competition at district and state levels. Out of 643 schools shortlisted by the states, 172 schools were selected for the national awards," PTI quoted an HRD ministry official as saying.

The winner schools were given an award of Rs 50,000 each as additional school grant to be utilised for cleanliness- related activities.

"Students are our cleanliness ambassadors. It is the need of the hour to change our mindsets and inculcate the habit of cleanliness everywhere in the country," the union minister added.

Also Read: CBSE school fees to be as per State govt norms; accreditation to schools soon