PM SHRI Yojana (2022): Transforming Schools, Empowering Futures

Policy Update
Jay Mudaliar

Introduction

The PM Shri Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Government of India. Through this initiative, the government will transform 14,500 schools across the nation over five years, from 2022-23 to 2026-27. The schools managed by the Central Government, State/UT Governments, or local bodies, including KVS & NVS, will be covered under this scheme. The total cost of the project will be Rs 27360 crore spread over a period of 5 years which includes central share of Rs 18128 crore.

The PM SHRI Schools are planning to follow a unique model that combines the best practices from around the world with indigenous practices specific to India. The schools focus on providing holistic development to their students. Altogether with an emphasis on academic excellence, life skills, and character formation.

PM Shri School List

https://dsel.education.gov.in/pmshri-schools-list

Selection Methodology

Selection of PM SHRI schools will be done through Challenge Mode wherein Schools compete for support to become exemplar schools. Schools would be required to self-apply on the online portal. The portal will be opened four times a year, once every quarter, for first two years of the scheme.

The Elementary schools (Class 1-5/1-8) & the Secondary/ Sr. Secondary Schools (Class1-10/1-12/6-10/6-12) managed by Centre/State/UT Governments / local self-governments having UDISE+ code would be considered for selection under the Scheme. Selection would be done through a three-stage process with definite time lines, which is as follows: –

Stage-1: States/UTs would sign MoU agreeing to implement NEP in entirety with Centre laying down the commitments for supporting these schools for achieving specified quality assurance as PM SHRI schools.

Stage-2: In this stage, a pool of schools that are eligible to be selected as PM SHRI Schools would be identified based on prescribed minimum benchmark through UDISE+ data.

Stage-3: This stage is based on the challenge method for fulfilling certain criteria. Only the schools from the above eligible pool of schools would compete to fulfil the challenge conditions. Fulfilment of conditions would be certified by States/KVS/JNV through physical inspection.

States/UTs/KVS/JNV shall verify the claims reported by Schools and recommend the list of schools to the Ministry.

Maximum two schools (one Elementary & one Secondary/Senior Secondary) would be selected per block/ULB with upper limit of number of total schools across India. Geo-tagging of schools for the selection and monitoring of PM SHRI schools will be done. The services of Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) will be taken for geo-tagging and other related tasks. An Expert committee would be constituted for final selection of schools.

Quality Assurance of PM SHRI Schools

Showcase of NEP 2020
Student registry for tracking enrolment and learning progress
Improvement in learning outcomes of each child to achieve levels above state and national average
Every middle grade child exposed/oriented to cutting edge and 21st century skills
Every secondary grade child passes out with at least one skill
Sports, Arts, ICT for every child
Sustainable and Green schools
Each school linked/connected to Higher Education Institutions for mentoring
Every school linked/connected to local entrepreneurial ecosystem
Every child counselled for psychological well-being and career
Students will be rooted to knowledge and heritage of India, proud of civilizational ethos and values of Bharat, aware of India’s contribution to the world, conscious of duties towards society, living beings and the nature, communicatively competent in Indian languages, respecting inclusivity, equality and unity in diversity, sense of service and furthering the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’.
Character-building, citizenship values, fundamental duties and responsibilities towards nation-building
These schools will be developed as vibrant schools focusing on all round development of children.

PM Shri Schools Curriculum

The PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) Schools are envisioned as centres of excellence that will uplift and transform the education landscape in India. The curriculum of PM SHRI Schools is designed to offer a holistic and multidisciplinary education rooted in Indian values and aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Features of the PM SHRI Curriculum

Holistic and Multidisciplinary Approach:
The curriculum integrates academic subjects with co-curricular activities, sports, and life skills education. This approach ensures the all-round development of students, focusing on their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.
Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy:
The curriculum focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, ensuring that students acquire strong reading, writing, and basic arithmetic skills from the early years. This is in line with the NEP 2020 goals to ensure every child achieves proficiency in these essential areas by grade 3.
Integration of 21st-Century Skills:
The curriculum is designed to equip students with 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, digital literacy, communication, and collaboration. These skills are embedded across subjects and co-curricular activities to prepare students for the demands of the modern world.
Focus on Indian Knowledge Systems:
The curriculum includes aspects of Indian knowledge systems, traditional wisdom, and cultural heritage. This involves teaching about India’s rich history, arts, languages, and values, promoting a sense of pride and connection to the country’s roots.
Multilingual Education:
The PM SHRI Schools promote multilingual education, with an emphasis on learning in the mother tongue or local language in the early grades. English and other languages are introduced progressively, promoting language proficiency alongside cultural diversity.
Flexible and Inclusive Learning:
The curriculum is designed to be flexible, catering to the diverse needs of students, including children with disabilities. Special attention is given to creating an inclusive environment where every student can learn at their own pace and according to their abilities.
Vocational Education and Skills Development:
Starting from the middle grades, vocational education is integrated into the curriculum, helping students acquire practical skills and knowledge in various trades. This prepares them for future employment opportunities or higher vocational studies.
Environment and Sustainability Education:
The curriculum incorporates lessons on environmental conservation, sustainability, and climate change. Students are encouraged to participate in activities that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Assessment Reform:
The PM SHRI Schools aim to shift away from rote learning and memorization towards competency-based assessments. The evaluation system focuses on assessing students’ understanding, skills, and application of knowledge, rather than just factual recall.
Technology Integration:
The curriculum leverages technology to enhance teaching and learning. Digital tools and platforms are used to make education interactive and engaging, providing students with access to a wider range of resources and learning opportunities.

The curriculum leverages technology to enhance teaching and learning. Digital tools and platforms are used to make education interactive and engaging, providing students with access to a wider range of resources and learning opportunities.

Overall, the curriculum of PM SHRI Schools is aimed at nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially and emotionally intelligent, grounded in Indian values, and equipped with the skills needed for the future.

Emerging issues

The PM SHRI Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to upgrade and develop around 14,500 schools across the country as model schools. These schools aim to exemplify the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. However, there are several emerging issues and challenges associated with the implementation of the scheme:

Funding and Resource Allocation:
Ensuring adequate funding and resources to meet the specific needs of schools, especially in remote and rural areas, is challenging. Balancing infrastructure development and quality teacher training also requires careful financial management.
Teacher Training and Capacity Building:
While infrastructure improvements are part of the scheme, a greater focus on training teachers to adapt to modern teaching methods and NEP guidelines is necessary. Without quality teaching, infrastructure upgrades may not lead to improved outcomes.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regular and transparent evaluation mechanisms need to be in place to track the performance of the model schools. Ensuring that the schools follow NEP’s holistic education principles requires efficient monitoring systems, which can be a logistical challenge.
Technological Integration:
Digital tools and smart classrooms are integral to the PM SHRI Yojana, but schools in rural and underdeveloped regions often face issues with connectivity, access to technology, and maintenance of digital infrastructure.
Equity and Inclusion:
Ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach marginalized communities, students with disabilities, and girls can be difficult due to existing socio-economic disparities.
Community and Parental Involvement:
To enhance learning outcomes, there must be a collaborative approach involving communities and parents. Building awareness and active involvement from local communities is a slow and challenging process.
Curriculum and Language Barriers:
Implementing the NEP’s recommendations on multilingual education can pose challenges, especially in states with a diverse range of languages and dialects. Balancing regional languages with national and global needs may lead to tensions.

Addressing these issues effectively will be crucial for the success of the PM SHRI Yojana in transforming India’s education landscape.

Way Forward

Adequate Funding and Resource Allocation:
The government must ensure a balanced approach to resource allocation, prioritizing not just infrastructure but also teacher training, digital learning tools, and curriculum upgrades. Collaboration with private stakeholders and CSR initiatives can help fill funding gaps.
Focus on Teacher Training:
Continuous professional development programs should be rolled out to equip teachers with the skills needed to implement NEP 2020 guidelines effectively. Teachers need to be supported with modern pedagogical techniques, especially in rural and remote areas.
Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms:
Establishing robust and transparent monitoring systems at both the state and national levels will ensure the timely assessment of schools’ progress. Real-time data collection and analysis through digital platforms can streamline evaluation efforts.
Bridging the Digital Divide:
Efforts must be made to improve internet connectivity, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. Public-private partnerships can be leveraged to enhance the digital infrastructure of schools, ensuring that all students have access to technology.
Promoting Equity and Inclusion:
The scheme should place a special emphasis on marginalized communities, ensuring that girls, differently-abled students, and children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds benefit equally. Focused outreach and targeted interventions should be employed.
Strengthening Community Involvement:
Awareness campaigns and local engagement programs should be conducted to involve parents, communities, and local authorities in the educational process. Their involvement is crucial in sustaining the success of the scheme.
Multilingual Curriculum Implementation:
The curriculum should strike a balance between regional and global languages, making sure that students are equipped with both local and global competencies. Teachers should receive training in multilingual education to ease the transition.

Conclusion

The PM SHRI Yojana holds great potential to transform the Indian education system by providing a model for implementing the NEP 2020. However, its success will depend on addressing the emerging challenges related to funding, teacher training, technological infrastructure, and inclusion. By focusing on a holistic and inclusive approach, leveraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring robust monitoring systems, the scheme can significantly improve the quality of education across India. As these schools evolve, they will not only serve as centers of learning but also as symbols of India’s commitment to equitable, innovative, and future-ready education for all.

References

National Portal of India. https://www.india.gov.in
Ministry of Education. https://www.education.gov.in
PM SHRI Dashboard https://pmshri.education.gov.in
PM SHRI SCHOOLS https://pmshrischools.education.gov.in

About the contributor: Jay Mudaliar is currently an intern in IMPRI and postgraduate student in Social work at Ganpat University. His interest area are politics, geopolitics, social work.

Acknowledgments: The author would like to thank Dr. Arjun Kumar, Aasthaba Jadeja who helped throughout this article and reviewed the same.