PM Shri Scheme
What exactly does PM SHRI mean?
- In states and union territories, 14,500 schools will be refurbished as part of the centrally financed PM SHRI Schools initiative to reflect the essential elements of the NEP, 2020. (PM Schools for Rising India).
- The plan was initially addressed with the education ministers of the states and UTs at a conference that the Ministry of Education conducted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in June.
- Even if there are outstanding schools like Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas, the PM SHRI will act as “NEP labs.”
NEP characteristics:
- A curriculum structure and teaching methodology divided into basic, preparatory, intermediate, and secondary levels is envisioned by the National Education Plan (NEP).
- The early years will employ play-based learning (preschool and grades I and II).
- At the preparation stage, brief literature and some structured classroom instruction will be offered (III–V). Subject teachers will be introduced to middle school students (VI-VIII).
- During the secondary level, there won’t be a distinct division between the arts, sciences, or other fields (IX–XII).
What sets PM SHRI schools apart from Kendriya Vidyalayas or Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas?
- Both Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are governed by the Ministry of Education of the Centre, and they are both entirely funded by the Union government through Central Sector Schemes.
- While KVs mostly serve children of Union government employees deployed in states and UTs, JNVs were established to support gifted pupils in rural areas of the country.
- In contrast, PM SHRI schools will be an improvement over current institutions supported by the Center, governments, UTs, and neighbourhood organisations.
- Therefore, PM SHRI schools could be run by KVs, JNVs, state governments, or even municipal corporations.
Where will the schools run by PM SHRI be located?
- The Center has not yet made the list of the schools that have been chosen for this purpose public, despite reports that the PM SHRI schools will also “offer mentorship” to other schools in the vicinity.
- Modern amenities like labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sporting equipment, art studios, etc. will be available at these institutions.
- In addition, it will have energy-efficient construction, waste recycling, water conservation, and curriculum integration for an organic way of life.
A centrally sponsored scheme: what is it?
- A centrally funded programme is one where the states/union territories and the federal government typically split the costs of implementation 60:40.
- PM Awas Yojana and the midday meal programme are two examples of centrally supported programmes (PM Poshan).
- For the Northeastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and UTs without legislatures, the Center’s contribution might approach 90%.
