The University Grants Commission (UGC) has called on all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India to actively participate in the Plant4Mother campaign, also known as Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam. This nationwide initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, aims to combat environmental issues such as land degradation and desertification.
Campaign Goals and Timeline
The campaign, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), targets planting approximately 80 crore saplings by September 2024 and reaching a total of 140 crore saplings by March 2025.
Role of HEIs
HEIs are encouraged to contribute by establishing “Matri Van” (Mother’s Grove) on their campuses. This effort is part of a broader strategy to involve educational institutions in environmental preservation.
Coordination and Reporting
The MoEF&CC has designated Nodal Officers from the Forest Department in each state to coordinate the plantation activities. HEIs are asked to document their efforts, including videos and photographs, on the MeriLife portal (https://merilife.nic.in). Daily online training sessions (excluding Sundays) will be held at 10 am to assist institutions with the reporting process.
Significance and Support
The campaign is a tribute to mothers and aims to enhance environmental health. The UGC emphasizes proactive participation and the importance of accurate reporting. S Annadurai, senior consultant (IT) at MoEF&CC, will assist HEIs with the uploading process to ensure smooth progress.
This large-scale initiative is expected to not only beautify campuses but also provide long-term ecological benefits.
