National Green Corps

The National Green Corps (NGC) is a flagship environmental education and awareness programme initiated by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Established in the early 2000s, it aims to foster environmental stewardship among school students by involving them directly in eco-friendly activities, conservation projects, and awareness campaigns. The programme seeks to build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens equipped with knowledge, values, and practical skills to protect and improve the natural environment.

Background and Formation

The National Green Corps was launched in 2001, building upon earlier environmental education initiatives such as the Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) scheme. Recognising the urgent need to involve young citizens in addressing environmental challenges, the government conceptualised the NGC as a nationwide movement to promote participatory and action-oriented environmental learning.
It was conceived as part of the broader framework of Environmental Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT), which is implemented by the MoEF&CC. The programme’s approach was decentralised, involving state governments, non-governmental organisations, and educational institutions to ensure wide and effective outreach.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objectives of the National Green Corps are to:

• Promote environmental awareness among school students through hands-on learning.
• Encourage practical action for conservation of natural resources and sustainable development.
• Develop environmental ethics and values in young minds.
• Facilitate community involvement in solving local environmental problems.
• Support environmental literacy, linking classroom knowledge with field activities.

The NGC’s motto, “Catch them young,” reflects its focus on early sensitisation and capacity-building among students to nurture lifelong environmental responsibility.

Structure and Organisation

The NGC operates through the establishment of Eco-Clubs in schools across India. Each Eco-Club functions as the core unit of the programme and typically consists of 30 to 50 students, known as “Eco-Club members”, guided by a trained teacher called the Eco-Club In-Charge or Eco-Club Teacher.
The organisational hierarchy of the NGC is as follows:

• National Level: The MoEF&CC provides overall policy direction, funding, and coordination.
• State Level: Each state has a State Nodal Agency (SNA), usually an environmental or educational department, responsible for implementation and monitoring.
• District Level: A District Implementation and Monitoring Committee (DIMC) oversees the programme’s execution in schools.
• School Level: Individual schools form and manage Eco-Clubs that plan and execute environmental activities locally.

Non-governmental organisations and educational institutions often act as Resource Agencies, providing technical support, training, and materials for Eco-Club activities.

Activities and Initiatives

The activities undertaken by NGC Eco-Clubs are diverse and practical, focusing on local environmental priorities. Common initiatives include:

• Tree Plantation and Afforestation: Planting saplings in school premises and community areas to promote greenery and biodiversity.
• Waste Management: Segregation of waste, composting of biodegradable materials, and campaigns against plastic use.
• Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting projects, water audits, and awareness drives on preventing wastage.
• Energy Conservation: Promoting renewable energy, reducing electricity use, and creating model energy-efficient campuses.
• Cleanliness Drives: Participation in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and other cleanliness initiatives in schools and neighbourhoods.
• Biodiversity and Wildlife Protection: Observing Wildlife Week, maintaining herbal gardens, and conducting nature walks and bird-watching activities.
• Environmental Awareness Campaigns: Celebrating World Environment Day, Earth Day, and Van Mahotsav with exhibitions, debates, and poster-making competitions.

Through these initiatives, the programme integrates environmental themes into school curricula and encourages experiential learning.

Training and Capacity Building

Teacher training and student orientation form a crucial component of the NGC. Workshops and training sessions are organised at state and district levels to equip teachers with knowledge of environmental issues and methods of participatory teaching. Educational materials such as Eco-Club Handbooks, Activity Guides, and Posters are distributed to facilitate systematic learning and project execution.
The NGC also collaborates with organisations such as the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), TERI, and WWF-India for resource development and technical support.

Funding and Implementation

The MoEF&CC provides financial assistance to state nodal agencies for the establishment and operation of Eco-Clubs. Each participating school receives a modest annual grant to conduct environmental activities. Funds are disbursed through the state machinery, ensuring transparency and accountability in utilisation.
Monitoring and evaluation are conducted through periodic reports, field inspections, and feedback mechanisms. States also hold Eco-Club Conventions and Green Fairs to showcase best practices and innovative projects.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, the National Green Corps has achieved remarkable outreach and influence:

• Over 1,00,000 Eco-Clubs have been established across India, engaging millions of students.
• The programme has significantly contributed to local environmental improvements, including waste reduction, afforestation, and clean water initiatives.
• It has fostered environmental literacy and youth participation in sustainable development goals.
• The NGC has served as a feeder platform for larger youth-led initiatives, such as National Environment Awareness Campaigns (NEAC) and Paryavaran Mitra programmes.

The NGC has also strengthened coordination between schools, communities, and local governance institutions like Panchayats, encouraging joint action for environmental protection.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its achievements, the National Green Corps faces certain challenges:

• Inconsistent Funding: Delays in fund release at state and district levels sometimes limit the continuity of activities.
• Limited Monitoring: Inadequate evaluation mechanisms affect the measurement of long-term environmental impact.
• Teacher Turnover: Frequent changes in Eco-Club teachers disrupt programme consistency and leadership.
• Urban–Rural Disparities: Resource availability and institutional support vary widely across regions.