MCD to teach civility

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided to introduce a book in its primary school curriculum on 'civic sense and environment conservation'.

The Standing Committee cleared a proposal to this effect on Monday. The book will be introduced from the next academic session.

"We have asked the MCD Commissioner to direct officials to prepare the book. The idea is to create awareness among the school children at their tender age. The chapters will be prepared in such a way that they have an everlasting impact on their minds about the need for protecting the environment," said Standing Committee Chairman Vijender Gupta.

The MCD is providing primary education to nearly 9.5 lakh students in its schools across the city. The civic agency runs about 2000 primary schools in the city while some are affiliated. As majority of children studying in these schools belong to the lower- medium strata of society, it is believed that the move would go a long way in raising awareness about environmental issues.

"If the children studying in municipal primary schools are taught essential elements of environment protection, we will get a boost in our initiatives to make the city clean and green. The course will also focus on problems owing to increase in population, rapid urbanisation and environment degradation," Gupta said.

Gupta said that the MCD would urge the city government to introduce the subject in higher classes also.

"Continuous efforts on part of the government agencies and awareness among masses can help us in fighting the problem of environment degradation," he said.

Source: mid-day.com/news/2008/oct/071008-MCD-introduced-book-on-civic-sense-and-environment-conservation-in-primary-school-curriculum.htm