Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar, launched the Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar (SVP) 2021 – 2022, in virtual mode on January 12, 2022. While launching the awards, the minister highlighted the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools because it plays a significant role in deciding the learning outcomes, health of students, attendance, and dropout rate.

He also noted, the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools will help in securing healthy school environment and protects children from illness & exclusion.

Purpose of Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar The Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar help in recognizing, inspiring and awarding the schools, that have undertaken exemplary work pertaining to water, sanitation and hygiene.

The award also provides a benchmark and roadmap for schools for make further improvements in future. The Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar 2021-22 is open to all categories of schools, ranging from Government, Government aided and Private schools across both rural and urban areas.

The schools will be assessed by an online portal & mobile app across 6 sub-categories-

• Water
• Hand Washing with soap
• Sanitation
• Operation & Maintenance
• Capacity Building and Behaviour
• Change COVID-19 Preparedness and Response.

The online portal will generate the overall score and rating automatically. Five-star rating system Schools will be awarded at the District, State and National level on the basis of an internationally recognized five-star rating system. School will also receive a certificate of participation, which will mention their category-wise scores and overall rating. It will thus help in promoting sustainable practices of improved Water, Sanitation & Hygiene across schools.

This year, 40 schools will be selected under overall category, at the National level. Award Money Under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, award money has been increased this year from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 per school. Furthermore, 6 sub-category wise awards have been introduced for the first time. Schools will get an award money of Rs. 20,000/- per school.