Bhubaneswar, 22 June (H.S.): Odisha has achieved a significant milestone in the field of school sanitation and environmental sustainability, with 10 schools from the state being selected for National Awards and Recognition under the Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) 2025–26 initiative.

The School & Mass Education Department announced that Odisha's schools have earned national recognition for their outstanding efforts in promoting safe, sustainable and child-friendly learning environments. The SHVR framework evaluates schools on key parameters including sanitation and hygiene, access to safe drinking water, greenery and biodiversity, waste management, and climate-resilient practices.

In a notable achievement, 20 schools from Odisha were nominated for the national-level assessment, of which 10 schools secured recognition at the national level. The accomplishment highlights the state's continued commitment to strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and encouraging environmentally responsible practices in educational institutions.

Officials said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of teachers, students, school management committees and local communities in creating clean, green and sustainable school campuses. Their dedication has helped Odisha emerge as one of the leading states in advancing environmental stewardship and climate resilience within the education sector.

At the national level, a total of 191 schools from 29 States and Union Territories have been selected for awards under SHVR 2025–26. Each award-winning school will receive a cash prize of ₹1 lakh along with a certificate of recognition. The schools will also get an opportunity to participate in a three-day exposure visit to a designated state, where they can learn from and share best practices in sustainable school management.

The School & Mass Education Department congratulated the award-winning schools and expressed confidence that the achievement will inspire more institutions across Odisha to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable practices, further strengthening the state's commitment to quality education and environmental conservation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda