2,582 schools in state selected for Mukhyamantri Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar

Ranchi: As many as 2,582 schools across the state have been selected for the Mukhyamantri Swacch Vidyalaya Puraskar (MSVP) 2025-26. The award is aimed at recognising schools that have fared in cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, safe drinking water and health practices. Over 45,000 schools across Jharkhand had enrolled in the evaluation, the results of which were finalised on Monday and announced on Thursday.The selected schools include govt and private schools, residential schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), CM-Schools of Excellence and special schools. They were evaluated at state, divisional, urban local body, block and panchayat levels by the state school education and literacy department.A total of 228 schools were selected in Giridih district, the highest among 24 districts in state. A total of 212 schools were selected in Palamu and 128 in Ranchi. Only 45 schools were selected from Sahibganj district while Lohardaga had 58.Schools were assessed on parameters such as availability and maintenance of toilets, access to safe drinking water, handwashing facilities, menstrual hygiene management, school safety, waste management, environmental conservation and health awareness activities. Climate resilience indicators were also included in the assessment process.Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) project director Shashi Ranjan said the award programme is aimed at creating clean, healthy and child-friendly learning environments while strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene practices in schools.“The selection of 2,582 schools reflects the collective efforts of district administrations, education officials, school management committees and local communities. The programme is not merely about rewarding schools but about encouraging lasting behavioural change, health awareness and environmental responsibility among students,” he said.Officials said the selected schools would be honoured at state, district and block-level ceremonies. The programme received technical support from UNICEF, while the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre developed the mobile application used for monitoring and evaluation.