Delhi: Eco Clubs in schools to be renamed, strengthened under Mission LiFE drive

All schools in Delhi have been instructed to rename their existing Eco Clubs as “Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE” and complete their re-establishment by August 31, as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at enhancing environmental education among students.

This initiative, under the Samagra Shiksha programme, aligns with the broader objectives of “Mission LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment), a global movement launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021, according to an official statement.

The campaign seeks to instil sustainable habits and climate-conscious values in students, the statement said.

A circular issued by the Deputy Director of Education and Samagra Shiksha-Delhi also instructs schools to actively participate in the nationwide launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0″ on World Environment Day, June 5.

This campaign is a continuation of last year’s tree plantation drive and will be promoted as a mass movement throughout the country, the statement noted.

As per the directive, the activities of the Eco Clubs will now centre around the seven themes of Mission LiFE: Save Energy, Save Water, Say No to Single Use Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, Reduce Waste, Adopt Healthy Lifestyles, and Reduce E-waste.

To support this transformation, the Ministry of Education has developed a dedicated portal to monitor and assist the functioning of these revamped Eco Clubs, the statement added.

Officials have been instructed to ensure that every school within their jurisdiction establishes an Eco Club for Mission LiFE and forms a District Plantation Committee to oversee campaign-related activities.

Heads of Schools (HoS) have been specifically directed to implement the required changes and promote student involvement.

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A circular dated May 16 from the Ministry of Education noted that only about 50 per cent of schools had established Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE during the 2023–24 academic year.

It stressed the urgent need for action to achieve 100 per cent coverage, in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

(With inputs from PTI)