Page 6 - Best Practices 2018-19
P. 6
offered free education, food and accommodation in VIT. Initially, this scheme was implemented in
seven districts. Later, in 2009, STARS scheme was extended to all the districts except Chennai. A
team of faculty members visit different places to counsel the students and facilitate their joining VIT
under the STARS.
II. “Green Vellore” Project
VIT has embarked upon the task of making Vellore a clean and green city under “Green Vellore”
project.
Comprehensively around more than 15000 saplings were planted since the inception of the project,
which was launched in August 2008 by eminent scientist Dr.M.S.Swaminathan.
As a part of this initiative, for the first time in the country, well grown Gulmohar trees were uprooted
from the VIT campus and planted in Vellore city.
III Palar River - Clean Project
River Palar, which covers about 4 km in Vellore corporation limit, is the prime water source for
Vellore City and nearby villages. The river was a polluted mass of water due to dumping solid and
liquid wastes and growth of Prosopis juliflora, a shrub known for depleting water table. VIT, in
collaboration with Civil Society Organizations, has initiated the Clean River Palar Project to restore
the livelihood of the river.
IV. Skill Development Programme
The Centre for Sustainability Rural Development and Research Studies of VIT mainly aims on skill
development training programmes for unemployed youth.
In addition to the aforementioned activities, VIT has implemented 67 societal outreach
programmes. Some of the major programmes are
• Rejuvenation and Restoration of River Palar.
• Adoption of five villages for development activities.
• Promoting Govt. school performance and giving career guidance to school students for their
future studies.
• Agriculture and Farmers knowledge management.
5. Evidence of Success:
VIT has been recognized for its contribution to the society. Some of the success stories are presented
below:
(i) So far, 659 students have benefitted through the STARS programme since the inception of
the scheme, of which 533 students are first generation graduates. All the benefitted students have
