MU to introduce weekly cleanliness hour in curriculum

Mangaluru

Mangalore University (MU) is set to introduce a dedicated cleanliness hour as part of its curriculum. Vice-Chancellor (VC)  PL Dharma told  that the university was awarded Green Campus status in 2023, prompting the administration to find sustainable ways to uphold and expand this recognition.
 We realised that maintaining this status requires continuous efforts. To make it more impactful, we decided to educate students and integrate cleanliness into the academic framework. This is probably a first-of-its-kind initiative,  he said.
As part of the initiative, the university is adopting a policy-driven approach to cleanliness.  Cleanliness is not a one-day affair; it must be ingrained in the curriculum. We have decided to allocate one hour every week in the timetable for discussions on cleanliness. These discussions may cover national and international cleanliness drives, environmental movements, or practical measures to maintain clean premises, Prof Dharma explained.
Since incorporating cleanliness into the syllabus is an official process, the Board of Studies chairpersons have been instructed to approve and submit the proposal to the VC. Once approved by the academic council, it will become an official policy applicable across 45 departments.

 I have proposed it for the PG programmes to start with. In a phased manner, we will extend it to the UG programmes,  he said.
The idea,   was inspired by Sheena Shetty of the Jana Shikshana Trust, who previously served as the Ombudsman. He asked if MU could collaborate on cleanliness efforts, and since I was already working with him, I agreed. 

The Konaje gram panchayat and Jana Shikshana Trust have partnered with us to conduct cleanliness drives. Around 3,000 students from the university will participate in public demonstrations at least once every six months, and we are also considering organising cleaning drives, Vice-Chancellor said.