ASCI contributes to Swachh Vidyalaya

The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) has added another feather to its cap with its contribution to the ‘Swachh Vidyalaya’ award.

The inaugural National award ceremony was held on September 1 at Dr S Radhakrishnan Auditorium in Delhi. The endeavour has been to recognise and reward excellence in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools.

Government schools were ranked under a dynamically-woven star-rating system that revolves around Swachhta (cleanliness). The parameters included water, sanitation, hand washing with soap, hygienic operations and maintenance, behavioural change and capacity-building.

That was the basis for the institution of Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar (SVP), under the joint auspices of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, UNICEF and ASCI.

Minister for HRD, Prakash Javadekar gave away the prizes in the presence of Upendra Kushwaha, Minister of State (HRD).

"ASCI also supported MHRD in undertaking third party validation of all State level entries (643 nos) leading to short-listing of the awardees. We deployed ICT mobile technology in a unique way.

ASCI will continue to be the knowledge partner for MHRD for Swachh Vidhyalaya Puraskar 2017-18. We are hoping that over one million schools participate this year," Prof Chary said, reiterating the dynamic vigour, thanks to the dedicated support team, with which the institution will pursue projects that are entrusted to it.

ASCI's Director General RH Khwaja congratulated Prof Chary and his team for playing a pivotal role in the selection process.

"Evolving a fool proof procedure to select the best among a good number of schools is a laborious, but commendable, process. As part of nation-building exercise, ASCI will carry it out with utmost dedication," Khwaja said, reiterating the commitment of ASCI for such noble causes.

Inspired by the huge success in the implementation of this uniquely innovative and societal initiative, Javadekar announced that the competition will be open to private schools from the next academic year.

Apart from the national fame, the winning schools were given cash incentive of Rs 50,000 each as additional school grant. Incidentally, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan were declared top three States for boasting of the maximum number of schools in Five Star and Four Star ratings (green and blue category).

They were honoured with a Certificate of Recognition each.