Understanding the PM SHRI Schools Initiative

Introduction to PM SHRI Schools

The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) is a centrally sponsored initiative launched to enhance the education landscape in India. Approved by the Cabinet on September 7, 2022, this ambitious scheme aims to establish over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, utilizing existing school infrastructure across the nation.

Objectives of the PM SHRI Scheme

Under this scheme, a maximum of two schools (one Elementary and one Secondary/Senior Secondary) will be selected for each block or Urban Local Body (ULB). The initiative is set to operate from the financial year 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which state governments will be responsible for maintaining the achieved standards.

Selection Process

The selection of PM SHRI Schools follows a three-stage process known as Challenge Mode:

• Stage 1: States and Union Territories (UTs) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Government, committing to support the schools in meeting quality benchmarks.
• Stage 2: Identification of eligible schools based on predefined minimum criteria.
• Stage 3: A competitive challenge where selected schools must meet specific conditions, validated by physical inspections.

Financial Overview

The total project cost for the PM SHRI scheme is estimated at Rs. 27,360 crore over five years, which includes a central allocation of Rs. 18,128 crore. This funding will be directed towards key interventions aimed at modernizing education.

Key Interventions

The PM SHRI initiative focuses on a variety of key areas:

• Quality and Innovation: Learning Enhancement Programs, Holistic Progress Cards, and Innovative Pedagogies.
• Beneficiary-oriented Entitlements: Support under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
• Annual School Grants: Composite school grants, library grants, and sports funding.
• Early Childhood Care and Education: Programs like Balvatika to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Equity and Inclusion: Infrastructure improvements for girls and children with special needs.
• Flexibility in Subject Choices: Allowing students to select from a variety of subjects.
• Mother Tongue Instruction: Promoting the use of local languages with technological support.
• ICT Enhancements: Smart classrooms and digital libraries to facilitate learning.
• Infrastructure Strengthening: Upgrading existing school facilities.
• Vocational Training: Expanding internship and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially with local industries.

Implementation of the National Education Policy

The PM SHRI Schools are designed to exemplify the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, focusing on high-quality, equitable, and inclusive education. These schools aim to cater to the diverse backgrounds and academic abilities of students, ensuring a joyful learning experience.

For further details, please refer to the official PM SHRI website and the Press Information Bureau's announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the PM SHRI scheme?
Answer: The PM SHRI scheme stands for Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India, aimed at enhancing educational quality by establishing over 14,500 schools across India.

Q2. How are PM SHRI schools selected?
Answer: Selection involves a three-stage process including a Memorandum of Understanding, identification of eligible schools, and a competitive challenge to meet specific criteria.

Q3. What is the duration of the PM SHRI scheme?
Answer: The PM SHRI scheme is proposed to last from the financial year 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which states will manage the schools.

Q4. What are the key interventions of the PM SHRI scheme?
Answer: Key interventions include quality enhancement programs, vocational training, equity initiatives, and the promotion of mother tongue instruction among others.

Q5. What is the total project cost of the PM SHRI scheme?
Answer: The total project cost is estimated at Rs. 27,360 crore over five years, with a central share of Rs. 18,128 crore.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does PM SHRI stand for?
A) Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India
B) Pradhan Mantri Scheme for Rural Infrastructure
C) Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rural India
D) Pradhan Mantri Strategy for Rising India
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: How many PM SHRI schools are planned to be established?
A) 10,000
B) 14,500
C) 20,000
D) 15,000
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is one of the key focuses of the PM SHRI scheme?
A) Reducing school fees
B) Vocational training opportunities
C) Mandatory uniforms
D) Standardized testing
Correct Answer: B