‘Grow trees, get marks’ scheme for school students

A senior official toldDTNext that the School Education Department has tied up with the state horticulture department for the supply of saplings to students who evince interest in growing trees.

The scheme will be applicable from primary to higher secondary level, the official added. There are six subjects for students across all classes, therefore, each student can get 12 marks, he said. “In the case of a student scoring centum in a particular subject, instead of additional marks, he or she will be given award/s for that year,” he detailed.

An official circular about the scheme will be issued to all the schools across the State so that teachers and school management will be prepared to implement it from the next academic year.

“Students who register for the scheme will get saplings and they can grow the tree at any place they wish to,” the official said and added that if the students do not have space to grow tree in their house, they could choose any other place, including the school premises.

Horticulture officials in their respective districts will visit schools and educate students of how to maintain and grow trees. “Manure will also be given to the students at no cost,” the official said. “Banyan, Ficus Religiosa, Mango and Ashoka trees are likely to be on the list,” he said and added that the full list would be discussed before the scheme reached the students.