Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram took part in a cleanliness and awareness campaign with students at the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Bazpur, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand, on October 2, marking Gandhi Jayanti.
The Minister paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri before joining a cleanliness drive on the school premises alongside students, teachers, and local community members. He administered a cleanliness pledge and planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
Addressing the students, Oram stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in schools, hostels, and surrounding areas, highlighting the value of cleanliness as a lifelong commitment that enhances health, dignity, environmental protection, and sustainable development. He called on students to promote positive behavioral changes within their families and villages.
During the event, the Minister engaged with students about their studies, interests, and aspirations, encouraging diligent efforts to achieve their ambitions. He visited exhibitions organized by students that focused on waste management, segregation, sustainable development, and environmental conservation, praising their initiatives.
Oram emphasized the responsibility of the Government and society to provide quality education, resources, and opportunities for children’s progress. He highlighted the Government’s priority to ensure quality education and facilities for children from tribal areas, integrating them into mainstream development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
The Minister announced plans to equip Eklavya Model Residential School, Bazpur, with improved facilities and resources to develop it into a center of excellence comparable to institutions such as Sainik Schools and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. He urged students to adopt responsible behavior and actively contribute to building a clean and healthy nation, linking these values to the broader ‘Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’ initiative.
Oram referred to the ongoing ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision to transform cleanliness into a national movement promoting environmental conservation and public participation.
The program saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, school staff, and local community representatives. Activities on personal hygiene, waste segregation, environmental awareness, and public engagement were conducted, demonstrating a collaborative ‘Whole-of-Government’ approach.
Following the event, the Minister inspected the cleanliness and arrangements at the school and discussed various development issues with officials and public representatives.
Officials present included Udham Singh Nagar District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, Chief Development Officer Divesh Shashani, district administration officials, State Government representatives, and the school’s principal and staff.
Jual Oram’s visit to Uttarakhand provides an opportunity to engage with local stakeholders on tribal education and welfare through Eklavya Model Residential Schools. His four-day visit includes participation in programs related to senior citizens’ welfare, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, tribal education, and the Uttarakhand Aadi Rangotsav.