The Delhi University has planned to make the Prime Minister’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ a long-term initiative where students and teachers are taught basics on how to maintain cleanliness.
According to the chairman of the 20-member committee formed to monitor this, the University wants to change the mindset that only sweepers and class IV employees are responsible for cleanliness. “Keeping your environment clean is everyone’s responsibility and one should learn that even if it is not their dirt, if they can they should clean it,” said Prof Chandrashekar, chairman. Thus, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Vice Chancellor will administer a cleanliness oath and kickstart the campaign.
The campaign will start on Thursday at 8 am at the Gandhi Bhawan where the V-C will conduct an oath ceremony. All teachers, heads of departments and university staff will be attending the event and head to Usha Ganguly Shishu Vihar, Patel Chest and end their drive at Arts Faculty.
Since the drive on Thursday is not mandatory for students, the University has decided to motivate student to participate in the coming days. “We don't want to force students into this. They should realise on their own that cleanliness is their responsibility. They must understand the importance of cleanliness,” said committee member Vipin Tewari. We will teach them how to dispose waste and where to dispose it," said committee member Vipin Tewari.
The committee that has been set up is going to monitor this entire process of enthusing students to participate. Chandrashekhar stated that when it comes to basic things like littering, students should be aware that it is not only the responsibility of the worker to clean. To fulfill this, an assessment will be held by the committee three days before the second of every month to ensure total cleanliness and to motivate students.