The University Grants Commission has asked varsities across the country to celebrate the third anniversary of the Swachh Bharat campaign by cleaning the campus, buildings, corridors and toilets, and planting 70 saplings. Universities and higher educational institutions have been asked to send photographs to ensure that the directive has been followed.

“The period from September 15 to October 2 has been designated as ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ to celebrate the third anniversary of Swachh Bharat scheme,” the UGC said in a notice to universities. The notice included other instructions too, such as asking students and teachers to take a pledge to observe hygiene and cleanliness in all aspects of life.

The Centre had launched the nation-wide, fortnight-long sanitation campaign on September 15 to highlight the Narendra Modi government’s flagship cleanliness initiative. The campaign is being coordinated by the ministry of drinking water and sanitation. Modi had also written personal letters to celebrities, inviting them participate in the movement.