Over 42000 schools register for Mukhyamantri Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar

Ranchi: The Mukhyamantri Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar received an overwhelming response from schools across the state, underscoring a strong commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, and a healthy learning environment in educational institutions.

According to official data, a total of 44,440 schools registered for the award this year, of which 42,699 entries were successfully registered.District-wise, Ranchi leads with 3,240 validated registrations out of 3,304, followed by Giridih with 3,819 out of 3,858 and Palamu with 2,839 out of 2,907. Dumka with 2,516, Deoghar with 2,211, Bokaro with 2,115, and Purbi Singhbhum with 1,815 also reported strong participation, each contributing over 2,000 verified entries.

Even smaller districts such as Lohardaga with 664, Khunti with 1,001, and Pakur with 1,100 recorded more than 1,000 schools actively taking part.The Mukhyamantri Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar's purpose is to recognise schools that demonstrate excellence in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and practices. The awards are given to both govt and private schools that meet specific criteria related to cleanliness, maintenance, and behaviour change.

The programme aims to encourage a healthier learning environment and promote lifelong habits of cleanliness and environmental responsibility among students.Ranchi district superintendent of education, Badal Raj, said, “The award scheme is designed not only to promote clean campuses but also to ensure functional sanitation facilities, safe drinking water, and improved hygiene standards. Each block had a nodal teacher appointed to facilitate and monitor the registration process."The state previously performed strongly in this domain. In the Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar 2021–22 cycle, Jharkhand ranked among the top states, with 44,907 schools out of 44,985 registering for the national award, with a 99.33% participation rate.Principal of Government Middle School, Ormanjhi, Nasim Ahmed, said, “The impressive turnout has been hailed as a positive indicator of rising awareness and enthusiasm among schools to adopt and sustain hygienic practices on their campuses. The initiative is also expected to reinforce hygiene awareness at the community level, ensuring that clean school practices extend beyond classrooms into homes and neighbourhoods.

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