UGC Issue Guidelines to Curb Single Use Plastic in HEIs; Urges to Go 'Plastic Free'

The UGC guidelines will be binding on all higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the country in order to move towards cleaner and plastic-free campuses. 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country owing to the ban on single-use plastics on campus. The UGC guidelines will be binding on all HEIs in order to attain cleaner and plastic-free campuses. The guidelines have been disseminated for adoption and the UGC will keep a follow-up to ensure HEIs aim to lessen their plastic consumption, ban the usage of single-use items and ensure plastic disposal is properly managed.  

"We urge Higher Education Institutions to amplify their efforts in tackling the pervasive issue of single-use plastics. This initiative is crucial not only for protecting our environment but also for safeguarding human health, addressing waste management challenges, combating climate change and promoting economic sustainability." The official notification reads. 

UGC Guidelines on Ban of Plastics Use in HEIs

University Gants Commission guidelines for all HEIs include the following: 

• All the HEIs shall ensure a ban on single-use plastics in canteens, shopping complexes and institute premises.
• HEIs shall carry out awareness drives and sensitization workshops on the harmful impacts of single-use plastic.
• They shall mandate all students to avoid bringing non-biodegradable plastic items to the institute.
• The HEIs shall also encourage students to sensitize their households about the harmful effects of plastics and make their households 'plastic free'.
• HEIs shall install necessary alternative facilities like water units to avoid the use of plastic bottles and encourage the use of alternative solutions like cloth bags, paper bags etc. 

All HEIs who have adopted villages under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan have to ensure undertaking a campaign in their adopted villages to become 'plastic-free villages'. Further, the HEIs are also urged to promote awareness of a clean and plastic-free environment. 

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