PM-SHRI scheme

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a new centrally sponsored scheme, aimed at upgrading 14,500 schools across India to showcase the components of the National Education Policy, 2020.

About

What is the PM-SHRI scheme?

The scheme will be called PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India).
Under the said scheme, as many as 14,500 schools across states and Union Territories will be redeveloped to reflect the key features of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
We already have exemplary schools like Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas. The PM SHRI is envisaged to act as “NEP labs”.

Key Features of NEP in School Education:

The NEP envisages a curricular structure and teaching style divided into various stages:
Foundational: The foundational years (pre-school and grades I, and II) will involve play-based learning.
Preparatory: At the preparatory level (III-V), light textbooks are to be introduced along with some formal classroom teaching.
Middle: Subject teachers are to be introduced at the middle level (VI-VIII).
Secondary: Secondary stage (IX-XII) will be multidisciplinary with no hard separation between arts and sciences or other disciplines.

What is a centrally sponsored scheme?

A centrally sponsored scheme is one where the cost of implementation is likely to split in the 60:40 ratio among the Union government and the states/Union Territories.
Some of the important examples of centrally sponsored schemes are, the mid-day meal scheme (PM Poshan) and the PM Awas Yojana.
It is important to note that in the case of the Northeastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and UTs without legislatures, the Centre’s contribution can go up to 90 per cent.

How will PM SHRI schools be different from existing schools of excellence?

PM SHRI schools will be an upgrade of existing schools run by the Centre, states, UTs and local bodies like Kendriya Vidyalayas or Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
This essentially means that PM SHRI schools can either be KVs, JNVs, state government schools or even those run by municipal corporations.

Where will the PM SHRI schools come up?

The Centre has not yet released the list of schools that have been chosen for this purpose.
The PM SHRI schools will also “offer mentorship” to other schools in their vicinity.
These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, sports equipment, etc.
They shall also be developed as green schools with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum.