PM-SHRI Scheme | 12 Sep 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

After Punjab, the Delhi government has decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central government to implement the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme. 

  • The Education Ministry had stopped funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), to Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal because of their reluctance to participate in the PM-SHRI scheme.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

  • Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is an integrated scheme for school education extending from pre-school to class XII to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education.
    • It subsumes the 3 Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE).
      • The main emphasis of the Scheme is on improving the quality of school education by focussing on the two T’s – Teacher and Technology.
      • The Scheme is being implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
    • The fund sharing pattern for the scheme between Centre and States is in the ratio of 90:10 for the North-Eastern States and the Himalayan States and 60:40 for all other States and Union Territories with Legislature.

What is the PM-SHRI Scheme?

  • About: 
    • The PM SHRI Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative, launched in 2022, by the Government of India aimed at establishing over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools by enhancing existing schools to showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • Objective:
    • The primary objective is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that promotes the well-being and safety of every student, offering diverse learning experiences and access to quality infrastructure and resources.
  • Funding:
    • The funding pattern is 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature (except J&K). 
    • The sharing pattern is 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and UT of J&K and 100% central funding for the Union Territories without legislature.
    • States must confirm their participation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Ministry.
  • Duration of Scheme:
    • The duration of the scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which it shall be the responsibility of the states/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.
  • Key Features of PM SHRI Schools:
    • These schools will focus on holistic student development of students including the skills of communication, collaboration and critical thinking. 
    • Teaching methods will be experiential, inquiry-driven, and learner-centred.
    • Schools will have modern labs, libraries, art rooms, and promote "green" initiatives like water conservation and waste recycling.
    • They have best-in-class modern facilities, including Smart Classrooms, Computer Labs, Integrated Science Labs, Vocational Labs/Skill Labs, and Atal Tinkering Labs.
    • Learning outcomes will be prioritized, with competency-based assessments that apply knowledge to real-life situations. 
  • Schools Eligible to become PM SHRI School:
    • Schools managed by Central/State/UT Governments and local bodies. 
    • All Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas which are non-project and run from permanent buildings.
  • Monitoring Framework of Schools:
    • A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) will monitor performance, with regular evaluations to ensure high standards.
      • SQAF is a set of standards and best practices as paradigms for attaining individual and institutional excellence.
  • Selection of Schools: It is done through Challenge Mode in a 3-stage process: 
    • Stage-1 involves signing MoU with the Centre.
    • Stage-2 identifies eligible schools based on UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education)+ data, and 
    • Stage-3 is a challenge method where eligible schools compete to fulfill certain criteria. 
    • States/UTs/KVS/JNV verify claims and recommend schools, and an Expert committee headed by Secretary makes the final selection.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

  • The NEP 2020 aims to make India a global knowledge superpower, being the 3rd major revamp of the education framework since independence, following the 1968 and 1986 policies.
  • Key Features:
    • Ensures universal access to education from pre-primary to Grade 12
    • Guarantees quality early childhood care and education for children aged 3-6.
    • Introduces a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure aligned with the age groups of 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18, covering Foundational (5 years), Preparatory (3 years), Middle (3 years), and Secondary (4 years) stages.
    • Eliminates rigid divisions between arts and sciences, curricular and extracurricular activities, and vocational and academic streams.
    • Promotes multilingualism and the use of Indian languages.
    • Establishes a National Assessment Centre, PARAKH, to assess and improve holistic development.
    • Proposes a Gender Inclusion Fund and Special Education Zones to support disadvantaged groups and regions.