Mizoram launched a statewide school cleanliness competition, the ‘Mizoram Green Schools League’, aimed at inculcating habits of hygiene and environmental responsibility among students. The competition, jointly organised by the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) and School Education departments under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, will be held at the block, district and state levels.

 

Launching the initiative, UD&PA Minister K. Sapdanga said that the league would provide an effective platform to instil a culture of cleanliness among schoolchildren and help them to integrate hygiene into their daily routines into adulthood. Though the competition carries cash prizes, its larger objective is to develop a lasting mindset among students that values cleanliness and motivates them to keep their schools, homes and communities clean, Sapdanga said.

 

“Cleanliness and hygiene are primary indicators of development and progress. The initiative aims to deeply root the desire for cleanliness in students, moulding them to become leaders in keeping their schools, homes, and communities clean,” he said.

 

He emphasised that maintaining a clean and healthy environment for future generations is a collective responsibility as both children and adults have crucial roles to play.

 

School Education Minister Vanlalthlana, who attended the launch, also said Mizo youth had recently demonstrated growing awareness about cleanliness by voluntarily organising clean-up drives in neglected areas. He called for sustaining the culture to ensure that it remains exemplary for visitors.

 

The Education Minister also urged teachers and school staff to lead by example to encourage students to adopt clean habits.  He assured that the School Education Department would extend all possible support to ensure the success of the Green Schools League.