Higher education institutions will have to spread the message of cleanliness not only to their students but also to residents in their neighbourhood. They will also need to log their progress on social media.
A circular issued by the University Grants Commission, based on the instructions of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, notes that colleges across the country will have to participate in the ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ between September 1 and 15. As part of the initiative, institutions have been directed to form a committee of teachers and students to organise events and ensure highest participation from the student community. They have also been asked to document all the activities and post them on social networking sites.
The institutions have been given a 15-day activity plan that includes cleaning of hostel, campus, mess and roads leading up to them. They will need to conduct visits to nearby markets and hospitals to study the disposal of garbage and medical waste. Students have also been asked to participate in essay and elocution contests on topics pertaining to health and hygiene.
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The circular has received a mixed response from colleges. “Of course we understand the importance of hygiene, but organising events for a fortnight will eat into our academic year,” the principal of a degree college in the city said.