The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme is a central government initiative aimed at transforming over 14,500 existing schools into model institutions that showcase the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Launched in 2022, the scheme seeks to provide high-quality, inclusive education by focusing on holistic development, modern infrastructure, and innovative teaching methods.
The initiative is part of India’s effort to make its school education system more holistic, technology-driven, and skill-oriented. PM SHRI schools serve as benchmarks for other schools in the region and aim to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for students.
Why was PM SHRI Introduced?
The scheme was introduced to address multiple challenges in the Indian school education system:
- Improve Learning Outcomes: By moving away from rote learning to competency-based assessments, students can apply knowledge to real-life situations.
- Holistic Development: The focus is on academics, sports, arts, life skills, and socio-emotional development.
- Infrastructure Enhancement: Many government schools require modernization; PM SHRI provides labs, libraries, digital classrooms, and vocational spaces.
- Teacher Skill Development: Continuous professional development ensures that teachers are trained in modern pedagogy.
- Technology Integration: Digital tools and smart classrooms aim to make learning more interactive.
- Inclusivity and Equity: The scheme ensures that quality education reaches all students, regardless of socio-economic background.
Which Schools are Eligible to become PM SHRI Schools?
Eligibility for PM SHRI schools is open to:
- Schools managed by Central, State, and Union Territory governments, as well as local bodies.
- All Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) that are non-project schools operating from permanent buildings.
Schools are selected through a Challenge Mode process that evaluates their infrastructure, teaching methods, and performance.
How are Schools Selected Under PM SHRI?
The selection process follows three key stages:
- Signing of MoU: States/UTs sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education.
- Identification of Eligible Schools: Using UDISE+ data, eligible schools are shortlisted.
- Challenge Method: Schools compete by fulfilling certain criteria, which are then verified by State/UT authorities, KVS, and JNV officials. A central expert committee headed by the Secretary finalizes the selection.
What are the Key Features of PM SHRI Schools?
PM SHRI schools aim to establish model institutions with the following features:
- Holistic Student Development
- Modern Labs and Classrooms
- Art and Cultural Facilities
- Eco-Friendly Initiatives
- Technology Integration
- Competency-Based Assessment
- Inclusive and Equitable Education
How does PM SHRI Align with NEP 2020?
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is India’s third major educational reform since independence, aiming to make the country a global knowledge superpower. PM SHRI schools align with NEP 2020 by:
- Ensuring universal access to education from pre-primary to Grade 12.
- Providing quality early childhood care for children aged 3-6 years.
- Introducing a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages).
- Promoting multilingualism and the use of Indian languages in teaching.
- Encouraging flexible and experiential learning, eliminating rigid divisions between subjects and streams.
- Establishing a National Assessment Centre (PARAKH) to monitor and improve holistic development.
- Supporting gender inclusion and education for disadvantaged groups through funds and special education zones.
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How is the PM SHRI Scheme Funded?
The total budget for PM SHRI is ₹27,360 crore for a five-year period (2022-23 to 2026-27), with a central share of ₹18,128 crore. The fund-sharing pattern is as follows:
- 60:40 between Centre and States/UTs with legislature.
- 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States and UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
- 100% central funding for Union Territories without legislature.
States must confirm participation through an MoU, failing which SSA funds may be withheld. For instance, funds were withheld from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi, and Punjab due to delayed MoU signing.
What is the Role of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in PM SHRI?
The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is a central scheme that ensures universal access to quality education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. It integrates three programs:
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
- Teacher Education (TE)
SSA supports infrastructure, teacher training, recruitment, and inclusive education. Its funds are critical for implementing PM SHRI schools, as these schools rely on SSA for essential resources.
How will PM SHRI Schools Improve Learning Outcomes?
PM SHRI schools focus on learner-centered teaching:
- Experiential and Inquiry-Driven Learning: Students engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and projects.
- Play-Based Early Education: Encourages learning through play in foundational years.
- Flexible Teaching Methods: Teachers adapt to the unique learning pace and style of each student.
- Regular Assessment: Competency-based evaluation ensures that students understand and apply concepts effectively.
How will Teachers Benefit from PM SHRI?
Teachers are a critical part of the PM SHRI initiative. Key benefits include:
- Continuous Professional Development: Training in modern pedagogy and innovative teaching methods.
- Technology Skills: Exposure to digital classrooms and teaching tools.
- Collaborative Learning: Teachers learn from best practices and mentor peers.
How will Infrastructure and Resources be Improved?
PM SHRI schools receive state-of-the-art infrastructure:
- Modern science and computer labs
- Smart classrooms and digital libraries
- Vocational labs and skill-building centers
- Green initiatives: water harvesting, waste management, solar energy solutions
These resources create an environment conducive to both academic and personal growth.
How will the Success of PM SHRI Schools be Measured?
Success is monitored through the School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF):
- Sets standards and benchmarks for student learning, teaching practices, and school governance.
- Conducts regular evaluations to maintain high-quality standards.
- Ensures accountability at both state and central levels.
What are the Long-Term Goals of PM SHRI?
The long-term objectives include:
- Creating model schools that serve as benchmarks for educational excellence.
- Encouraging holistic development for students to become responsible citizens.
- Promoting technology-driven education nationwide.
- Ensuring equity and inclusivity in quality education.
- Establishing India as a global knowledge leader by implementing NEP 2020 effectively.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) |
| Launch Year | 2022 |
| Duration | 2022-23 to 2026-27 |
| Budget | ₹27,360 crore (Central Share ₹18,128 crore) |
| Objective | Transform 14,500 existing schools into model institutions |
| Eligibility | Government-managed schools, KVs, JNVs |
| Key Features | Holistic learning, modern labs, smart classrooms, eco-friendly infrastructure |
| Teacher Development | Continuous professional development and training |
| Monitoring | School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) |
| Alignment | NEP 2020, competency-based learning, inclusive education |
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Questions Based on Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme
- When was the PM SHRI scheme launched?
a) 2020
b) 2021
c) 2022
d) 2023
e) 2024 - How many schools are targeted under PM SHRI?
a) 10,000
b) 12,000
c) 14,500
d) 15,000
e) 20,000 - Which policy does PM SHRI primarily align with?
a) NEP 1986
b) RTE Act 2009
c) NEP 2020
d) RMSA
e) SSA - What is the main focus of PM SHRI Schools?
a) Only academics
b) Holistic development
c) Sports only
d) Vocational training only
e) Infrastructure only - Which framework monitors the performance of PM SHRI schools?
a) UDISE+
b) SQAF
c) RTE Act
d) RMSA
e) SSA - What is the fund-sharing ratio for most states under PM SHRI?
a) 50:50
b) 60:40
c) 70:30
d) 80:20
e) 90:10 - Which types of schools are automatically eligible for PM SHRI?
a) Private schools
b) Non-government aided schools
c) Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas
d) Only city schools
e) Only rural schools - Which NEP 2020 curricular structure is applied in PM SHRI Schools?
a) 5+3+3+4
b) 6+3+3+4
c) 4+4+4+4
d) 5+2+3+4
e) 3+3+3+3 - What assessment approach is emphasized in PM SHRI schools?
a) Rote learning
b) Competency-based assessment
c) Only exams
d) Oral assessment only
e) None of the above - Which central scheme provides additional support and funding for PM SHRI?
a) RMSA
b) SSA
c) TE
d) KVS
e) NEP
Answer Key
| Question Number | Answer | Question Number | Answer |
| 1 | c | 6 | b |
| 2 | c | 7 | c |
| 3 | c | 8 | a |
| 4 | b | 9 | b |
| 5 | b | 10 | b |
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