PM SHRI Schools Scheme, Objectives and Features

PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI), Objectives and Features

The PM SHRI Schools Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in India to transform 14,500+ existing schools into NEP 2020 exemplar institutions. Learn about its focus on holistic education, modern infrastructure, green practices, and 21st-century skills.

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Context: Tamil Nadu filed a petition in the SC to seek a judicial declaration that the National Education Policy, 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding in the state.

PM SHRI Schools Scheme

The PM SHRI (PM ScHools for Rising India) Schools Scheme is a notable Centrally Sponsored Scheme initiated by the Government of India in September 2022. Its primary aim is to redevelop and enhance more than 14,500 current schools around the nation into model schools that completely reflect the spirit and philosophy of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

About Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI)
Announced	2022
Type	Centrally Sponsored scheme.
Nodal Ministry	The Department of School Education and Literacy
Objective	To develop over 14,500 schools nationwide by enhancing existing schools managed by the Central Government, States, UTs, or local bodies
Duration	Scheduled from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which the responsibility for maintaining achieved benchmarks will transition to the respective States/UTs.

Features of PM SHRI Schools Scheme

These schools will serve as model institutions demonstrating the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) components and provide mentorship to neighbouring schools.
PM SHRI Schools will be developed as Green Schools with environment-friendly practices.
Emphasises experiential, holistic, integrated, and play/toy-based learning, especially in early education.
The curriculum will be inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centric, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable.
Assessments will focus on conceptual understanding and the application of knowledge to real-life situations, adopting a competency-based approach.
Plans to link with Sector Skill Councils and local industries to enhance employability and provide better job opportunities for students.
Development of a School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) with key performance indicators to measure outcomes.
Regular quality evaluations of schools will be conducted to ensure they meet the desired standards.

Green Schools

A special feature is the emphasis on environmental sustainability. PM SHRI schools will have green features like solar panels, LED lighting, nutrition gardens, waste management, plastic-free areas, and water harvesting (rainwater).

Selection Process and Funding

“Challenge Mode“: The schools are chosen through a “Challenge Mode” procedure, wherein the current schools (controlled by Central/State/UT Governments or local authorities, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas) compete to satisfy particular requirements.
Three-Stage Process: This entails signing an MoU between states/UTs and the Ministry of Education, selection of eligible schools based on UDISE+ data, and subsequently a competitive challenge with schools satisfying requirements through physical inspection.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme: It is a centrally sponsored scheme with finance generally shared between the Centre and States (e.g., 60:40 for the Central states, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states). The cost of the project is ₹27,360 crore for five years (2022-23 to 2026-27).