The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular to all affiliated schools to participate in the annual Swachhata Pakhwada, a nationwide cleanliness and sanitation campaign organized by the Government of India. The event is taking place from September 1st to 15th, 2024.
Since its inception in 2016, Swachhata Pakhwada has evolved into a significant mass movement, engaging millions of students, school staff, and community members across the country. CBSE has outlined a series of activities that schools are encouraged to undertake during the fortnight to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation. Schools are expected to submit reports and photographs of their activities by September 17, 2024. The detailed circular issued by the CBSE in this regard can be accessed HERE.
Key activities include the organization of a Swachhata Shapath (Cleanliness Pledge) for students and staff, meetings with School Management Committees (SMCs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to discuss the importance of sanitation and the inspection and maintenance of water and sanitary facilities.
Schools are also encouraged to conduct competitions in essay writing, painting, and model-making on cleanliness themes, and to disseminate Swachhata awareness messages through their websites and displays. CBSE has also emphasized the importance of removing waste materials, banning single-use plastics, and involving local communities in spreading the Swachhata message.
