Under its ongoing mission to establish Uttar Pradesh as a clean state, the Yogi government will observe ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ (sanitation fortnight) across the state from September 1 to 15. The 15-day event will feature an array of events and activities and see active participation from community members alongside students and teachers in council schools.

Preparations are underway at the departmental level to ensure its success.

On the first day, students, teachers, staff, and other citizens will take a ‘Swachhta Shapath’ (cleanliness oath). A series of programmes and activities will commence in the schools. These activities will be rescheduled and carried out the following day during a holiday.

The Basic Education department has completed all preparations for ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ and issued instructions to the state’s basic education officers in this context. They have been provided with a comprehensive list of programmes and activities for the celebration.

During the first week, school management committee meetings will be held to discuss cleanliness initiatives.

Additionally, meetings between parents and teachers will emphasise the importance of cleanliness, handwashing, mask usage, and social distancing.

These essential hygiene practices will be encouraged among teachers, students, and the broader community, both in school and at home.

Each school, or educational institution, will also assess the availability and arrangement of drinking water facilities and the cleanliness of the premises.

Teachers will be responsible for conducting these evaluations and prepare proposals for necessary repairs and maintenance. They will also develop action plans to address these needs.

Schools will organise competitions throughout this period to maintain clean premises and toilets.

In addition to essay writing, students will participate in slogan creation, poetry, painting, speech, quiz, and model-making competitions; all centred around cleanliness and hygiene habits.