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In the past few years, the Government of India has been putting in tremendous efforts to improve school education and provide better opportunities to students. In this direction, the PM SHRI Scheme was initiated in the year 2022. The main idea was to transform existing government schools into modern-day functioning schools that have all the facilities and technology. These schools will serve as models to other government-funded schools in the country, therefore improving the quality of education in the country and helping students to cope with the challenges of the 21st century.
The PM SHRI scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 September 2022 to upgrade over 14,500 schools in India as model schools through the efficient implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. The emphasis is on experiential and practical learning, which will help students become critical thinkers while also imparting to them the skills necessary in the current world.
The PM SHRI scheme differs from traditional teaching approaches that rely mainly on memorization. Instead, it emphasizes engaging students through individualized and hands-on learning experiences. This helps children understand both physical and abstract concepts rather than merely memorising information. By nurturing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, the scheme aims to develop well-rounded individuals.
Upgrading School Facilities
One of the main goals of PM SHRI schools is to convert existing facilities into modern 21st-century learning environments. Schools selected under the scheme receive funding to upgrade classrooms with smart boards, digital learning tools, well-equipped libraries, and advanced laboratories for science and computer studies.
For instance, some government schools in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir have been chosen under the PM SHRI scheme. In some districts like Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag, chosen schools are being upgraded with smart classrooms, digital labs, and enhanced libraries. This will allow the students in the Kashmir Valley to take advantage of modern technology in learning, which was not available in many government schools.
There are certain schools where innovation labs and skill labs, such as Atal tinkering labs, are being introduced, where students are able to learn more about robotics, electronic devices, and innovation in problem-solving techniques. This will help the students to develop scientific curiosities and innovation skills at a very young age.
Inclusive and Equitable Education
Another significant objective of the PM SHRI scheme is to provide inclusive and equitable education. Schools that are chosen to participate in the PM SHRI scheme have to be designed to include children from different socio-economic backgrounds and learning styles.
The infrastructure is being improved to create a child-friendly learning environment, with safe buildings, comfortable seating, and access to learning materials. Early childhood education and play-based learning programmes are also included to strengthen foundational learning.
In many rural areas of Kupwara and Pulwama, for example, PM SHRI schools are helping children from remote communities gain access to better facilities and improved teaching methods. This helps reduce the education gap between urban and rural areas.
Implementation and Funding
The budget for the PM SHRI scheme has been estimated at ₹27,360 crores for the period of 2022-2027, and it has been said that for most states, the budget would be divided equally on a 60:40 basis between the Centre and the states, while for the Himalayan states, northeastern states, and UTs such as Jammu and Kashmir, the budget would be divided on a 90:10 basis, with the Centre contributing most towards the budget.
Schools are chosen with the help of a competitive challenge process based on certain criteria. Once this is done, they are declared PM SHRI schools. These schools, in turn, mentor other schools in their region by providing them with best practices and innovative methods of teaching.
For example, the selected PM SHRI schools in Budgam and Shopian have to use digital technology and innovative teaching practices in the government schools in their area.
Holistic Development of Students
Beyond academic learning, the PM SHRI scheme emphasizes holistic development. Schools encourage activities that promote physical health, creativity, emotional well-being, and ethical values.
Students participate in sports, arts, cultural programmes, and community service activities. Environmental awareness campaigns, innovation challenges, and project-based learning are also encouraged.
In several schools in the Kashmir Valley, students have started environmental projects such as tree-planting drives and cleanliness campaigns, helping them develop leadership skills and social responsibility.
The scheme also promotes modern assessment methods. Instead of relying only on traditional examinations, PM SHRI schools focus on evaluating how well students understand concepts and apply them in real-life situations.
A Transformative Step for Education
The PM SHRI Scheme is a significant move towards improving the education sector in India by making existing government schools into models of innovative and collaborative learning. This will definitely enhance the quality of education in the country with modern facilities, teaching methodologies, and a focus on the holistic development of students. In the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the PM SHRI Scheme is essential as it will provide modern facilities to students in both urban and remote areas.
Through equipping students with modern knowledge, skill sets, and creative thinking abilities, the PM SHRI Scheme aims to develop a new generation of students who can contribute to a prosperous, innovative, and knowledge-based society.
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