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Context

Kerala recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Education to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme.

What is the PM-SHRI Scheme?

• Launched: 2022
• Type: Centrally sponsored initiative
• Aim: Upgrade and develop over 14,500 existing schools nationwide
• Eligible Schools: Operated by Central, State, and UT governments, or local bodies (including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas)
• Function: Act as "exemplar schools" demonstrating full implementation of NEP 2020
• Vision (aligned with NEP 2020): Cultivate students into engaged, productive, and contributing citizens, fostering an equitable, inclusive, and plural society
• Operational Period: Five years, from 2022-23 to 2026-27
• Budgetary Allocation: ₹27,360 crore

What are the Key Features of PM-SHRI Schools?

Educational Excellence

• Serve as exemplary institutions, setting benchmarks and mentoring nearby schools.
• Emphasize holistic development through experiential, inquiry-driven, learner-centered, discussion-based, and focus beyond cognitive skills to social, ethical, and emotional growth.

Modern Infrastructure

• Feature smart classrooms, computer labs, integrated science labs, vocational/skill labs, and Atal Tinkering Labs.
• Support technology-driven learning.

Environmental Sustainability

• Incorporate green initiatives: solar panels, LED lighting, nutrition gardens (natural farming), waste management, plastic-free zones, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
• Promote environmental awareness and climate change education.

Assessment and Professional Development

• Shift from rote memorization to competency-based evaluation, aligning with NEP 2020 (conceptual understanding, real-world application) with PARAKH support.
• Prioritize continuous professional development for teachers to facilitate NEP 2020 pedagogical shifts.

Employability and Monitoring

• Establish connections with Sector Skill Councils and local industries for vocational interventions and internships.
• Utilize a robust School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) and geo-tagging for continuous monitoring and evaluation.

Significance of the PM-SHRI Scheme 

Addressing Quality and Equity Gaps

Create inclusive, engaging, and high-quality learning environments to reduce disparities in educational outcomes, infrastructure, and overall quality.

Holistic Implementation of NEP 2020

Serve as exemplary institutions that fully integrate the principles of the National Education Policy 2020, including teaching methodologies, assessment, and infrastructure development.

Developing 21st-Century Skills

Emphasize competency-based and experiential learning to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration, moving beyond traditional memorization.

Upgrading Infrastructure

Modernize government schools with advanced facilities such as smart classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and comprehensive digital resources.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)

Directly support the achievement of SDG 4 by prioritizing inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

What are the Potential Challenges in Implementation?

Centre-State Relations and Autonomy

• PM-SHRI's "challenge mode" selection and mandatory MoUs for NEP 2020 are seen as undermining state autonomy in education.
• States like Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu resist due to concerns about central interference.

Funding and Financial Implications

• The 60:40 Centre:State funding (with exceptions for Northeastern and Himalayan states) is considered insufficient by some states for ambitious upgrade requirements.
• Linking Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds to PM-SHRI MoU signing is criticized as coercive, causing financial strain for non-compliant states and impacting other educational programs.

Uniformity vs Diversity

• A "one-size-fits-all" approach may not cater diverse educational needs across states.
• States with robust existing models, like Kerala, find aspects of PM-SHRI redundant or less impactful.

Mentorship and Scaling

• The "exemplar schools" mentorship concept requires robust mechanisms and adequate resources.
• Scaling learning from 14,500 PM-SHRI schools to lakhs nationwide presents logistical and administrative hurdles.

Teacher Capacity and Resistance to Change

• NEP 2020's pedagogical shifts demand substantial retraining and a mindset change among teachers.
• Resistance or insufficient training can impede the scheme's effectiveness.

Way Forward

Promote Cooperative Federalism

• Flexible and consultative approach with states.
• Respect state autonomy and existing educational strengths.
• Allow adaptation to local contexts, avoiding uniform models.

Ensure Robust Monitoring and Evaluation

• Effectively utilize School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) and geo-tagging for continuous monitoring, transparent reporting, and timely course correction.
• Publicize detailed impact assessments to build trust and encourage adoption.

Empower Teachers through Continuous Professional Development

• Provide high-quality, sustained training for NEP 2020-aligned pedagogy.
• Incentivize innovation and recognize outstanding teacher efforts.

Foster Community and Stakeholder Involvement

• Actively involve local communities, parents, alumni, and civil society organizations.
• Enhance school governance, resource mobilization, and the learning environment.

Leverage Technology and Digital Infrastructure

• Invest in smart classrooms, digital labs, and online learning platforms (e.g., PM eVidya).
• Bridge the digital divide and ensure access to quality educational content.

Conclusion

The PM-SHRI scheme is a Centrally Sponsored initiative to upgrade over 14,500 existing schools into 'exemplar' institutions, showcasing NEP 2020 with modern infrastructure, inquiry-based learning, and green initiatives.

Source: BUSINESS-STANDARD