PM-SHRI SCHEME

Copyright infringement not intended

Context: Under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, 6,448 schools from 28 states and union territories have been chosen for upgrading.

Details

About

• The Union Cabinet approved the Rs 27,360-crore PM-SHRI scheme for upgrading 14,500 schools across the country over the next five years in September 2022.
• The scheme is projected to help 1.8 million students while also ensuring that schools function as model institutions that represent the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• It is a Centrally Sponsered Scheme. Central and State funding patterns are usually 60:40 for general states, In cases of North Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, and some special category states it is a 90:10 ratio.

Objectives

• Focus on modern infrastructure including the latest technology, smart classrooms, sports and more.
• Ensure universal access and retention of all children in school education from pre-primary to secondary level, with a special focus on girls, children from disadvantaged groups, and children with special needs.
• Enhance the learning outcomes and competencies of all students, with emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, creativity, and digital skills.
• Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, school leaders, and administrators, through continuous professional development, performance appraisal, and accountability mechanisms.
• Foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration among schools, districts, states, and central government, through data-driven planning, monitoring, evaluation, and feedback.

Key features of PM SHRI 

• Campaign to enroll all out-of-school children and dropouts, especially girls, into formal or alternative schooling modes.
• New curriculum framework and pedagogy based on the NEP 2020 guidelines, which will promote experiential, activity-based, and student-centred learning.
• A revamped assessment system that will shift from rote memorization to conceptual understanding and application of knowledge and skills.
• A digital platform to access high-quality learning resources, online courses, assessment tools, and data analytics for students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
• A national mentoring program that will connect experienced teachers and school leaders with their peers and juniors for guidance and support.
• School improvement grants for schools to upgrade their infrastructure, facilities, resources, and practices as per their needs and priorities.

Criteria for Selecting Schools

• According to ministry officials, the selection procedure for the first round of PM-SHRI schools was completed during a meeting of the expert selection committee.
• To be selected as PM-SHRI schools, urban schools were required to score at least 70%, while rural schools needed to score at least 60%.
• The selection process was based on six broad parameters
  • Curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment
  • Access and infrastructure
  • Human resources leadership
  • Inclusive Practices and gender equity
  • Management, monitoring, and governance
  • Beneficiary satisfaction

Selection Process

• The selection procedure is divided into three steps.
• Step 1: States and UTs were required to sign MoUs committing to implement the NEP in every aspect, with the Centre committing to supporting these institutions in obtaining defined quality assurance as PM-SHRI schools.
• Step 2: Schools eligible for selection under the scheme were chosen based on an established minimal benchmark using data from the respective states from the ministry's Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+).
• Step 3: Selected schools were required to compete for PM-SHRI designation.

Selected Schools

• More than 200,000 qualified schools from around the country applied for the scheme's first round of upgradation via an online portal launched by the Union education ministry.
• The 6,448 schools were chosen for the first round based on the challenge method and their ability to meet specified requirements.
• Uttar Pradesh has the most selected schools (928), followed by Andhra Pradesh (662), Telangana (543), Maharashtra (516), Madhya Pradesh (416), and Rajasthan (402).

Significance

• It will transform the education sector and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
• It will develop and upgrade schools across the country by strengthening the existing schools run by the Central Government, State Government, UT Government or local bodies.
• It supports the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and emerges as an exemplary school over some time.

Conclusion

• The PM-SHRI scheme is a significant step towards realizing the dream of a rising India that is empowered by knowledge, innovation and excellence. It will create a network of model schools that will inspire and motivate other schools to adopt best practices and improve their standards.
• It will also contribute to the goals of universal access, quality improvement, equity and inclusion, skill development and lifelong learning in the education sector.

Must Read Articles:

PM-SHRI Yojana: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/pm-shri-yojana

Nаtiоnаl  Роliсy  оn  Eduсаtiоn  (NРE) 2020: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/national-education-policy-2020-14

Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Report: https://iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/unified-district-information-system-for-education-plus-udise-report-4

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/6448-schools-from-28-states-selected-for-upgradation-under-pradhan-mantri-schools-for-rising-india-scheme-uttar-pradesh-andhra-pradesh-telangana-and-maharashtra-lead-the-count-pmshri-educationupgradation-nep2020-101682449827639.html