Ranchi: As many as 2,582 schools across Jharkhand have been selected for the Mukhyamantri Swacch Vidyalaya Puraskar (MSVP) 2025-26, an award aimed at recognizing schools that excel in cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, safe drinking water, and health practices. The evaluation process, which began with over 45,000 schools enrolling across the state, concluded on Monday, with results announced on Thursday.
Selection Criteria and Categories
The selected institutions include government and private schools, residential schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), CM-Schools of Excellence, and special schools. The state school education and literacy department conducted assessments at multiple levels: state, divisional, urban local body, block, and panchayat.
District-Wise Distribution
Giridih district recorded the highest number of selected schools with 228, followed by Palamu with 212 and Ranchi with 128. In contrast, Sahibganj saw only 45 schools selected, while Lohardaga had 58. The selections spanned all 24 districts of the state.
Assessment Parameters
Schools were evaluated 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 for the first time.
Official Insights
Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) project director Shashi Ranjan stated that the award programme aims to create clean, healthy, and child-friendly learning environments while strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in schools. He added, "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."
Officials confirmed that selected schools will 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. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness and sustainability in educational institutions.
