New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) In a move towards inculcation of eco-friendly practices, the University Grants Commission (UGC) here on Tuesday asked the higher education institutions to promote use of recycled paper and not to make demand of certain kinds of papers in their tenders.

"Higher education institutes are requested to promote procurement of recycled paper and avoid incorporating restrictive condition, such as insisting on paper made of wood, bamboo or agro-based pulp that are virgin pulp, in tenders for procurement of writing and printing paper," the commission said in letter to colleges and universities.

It was "essential to reduce the environmental load" and shift to "eco-friendly goods", it said.

--IANS vn/rs/pcj