‘Paaristhithikam’ is a component programme of the State Plan Scheme titled ‘Environmental Awareness and Incentives’ implemented state-wide by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC), Government of Kerala from 2012 onwards. The programme envisages creating environmental awareness and sensitization in the society through actions with motto – ‘awareness through action’.

Bhoomithrasena Clubs, educational/academic/research institutions, government departments/agencies, non-governmental organizations and professional bodies which have at least 3 years experience in environmental fields can apply and participate in the programme. They can apply singly or in collaboration. Persons or NGOs/professional societies which are not registered or not having the 3 years mandatory experience is not eligible to participate in the programme.

The programme shall be implemented based on a theme selected by DoECC in each year.
The activities implemented through the programme can be of one to two years duration. The maximum financial support in the programme is limited to Rs. 15 Lakh depending on the quality and quantity of the activities selected for implementation. There should be a minimum of 20% amount as contribution from the applicant institution in the proposed budget. The grant is dispersed in 3 installments in the ratio 40:40:20 in tune with the 3 project milestones with timelines submitted, approved and agreed upon. First 40% will be released in advance. The 2nd installment (40%) will be released only after completing the first 2 milestones and submission of the corresponding Interim Report, Expenditure Statement (ES) and Utilization Certificate (UC) in KFC Form 44 including the agreed institutional contribution in the budget. The final installment (20%) will be released only after submission of the final report, full ES and UC. The NGOs should submit financial documents which are duly audited and certified by Chartered Accountants. Those institutions which make dues in these formalities in the agreed timeframes are not eligible to get the financial support and they have to refund the released amount with 18% interest.

The selected institutions should submit the detailed activity calendar of the programme in prescribed format within 7 days of the receipt of the first installment.
The selected institutions should enter into an agreement with DoECC in the prescribed format.
All the activities in the programme should be implemented by observing the Green Protocol of the Government. The Directorate should be duly acknowledged in the all communications/publications of the programme and emboss the name of the Directorate also. The implementing institution should ensure the participation of the officers from the Directorate in all the major activities of the programme.