PM Announces PM-SHRI Scheme for 14,500 Schools

Vinod Kakumanu
Oct. 4, 2022, 11:11 a.m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana under which 14,500 schools from across the country will be upgraded as PM-SHRI schools. These schools will become model schools and will encapsulate the full spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

PM Modi made the announcement on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. The Prime Minister said the PM-SHRI schools will have a modern, transformational, and holistic method of imparting education. “(They will) Emphasise on a discovery oriented, learning centric way of teaching. Focus will also be on modern infra including latest technology, smart classrooms, sports and more,” PM Modi said.

More details were shared by the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the ministry also released a statement on Monday.

Mr Pradhan stated that the PM-Shri Schools will be able to offer leadership to other schools in the region, for improving the learning environment, as well as improving educational outcomes. He also expressed his gratitude to the PM for this landmark initiative to boost India’s education landscape.

According to the union education ministry, these 14,500 schools will be selected from existing schools managed by the central government and state/union territories government.

“The PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity. The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills”, the ministry said in a statement.

These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room, among others, that is inclusive and accessible, the ministry said, adding they will also be developed as “green schools” with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure, and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum.

The ministry further said the pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable, as per the vision of NEP 2020.