PM-SHRI Scheme

PM-SHRI Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at upgrading over 14,500 existing schools. It aims to serve as a model institution showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Read here to learn more.

The PM-SHRI Scheme, launched in 2022, aims to upgrade 14,500 existing schools across India into model institutions that demonstrate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The scheme is centrally sponsored and requires participating States to sign an MoU with the Union Government, agreeing to align their education systems with the NEP 2020 framework.

States like Punjab, West Bengal, and Delhi have already refused to sign the MoU, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala have expressed conditional willingness, citing concerns over central overreach.

Table of Contents

About the PM-SHRI Scheme

Aspect	Details
Launch Year	2022
Implementing Ministry	Ministry of Education
Nature	Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Duration	2022–23 to 2026–27
Objective	To upgrade 14,500 existing schools (central, state, local body-run) into model institutions showcasing the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

Post-2027 Maintenance is to be borne by respective States/UTs.

Key Features

Infrastructure Upgradation: Smart classrooms, computer and integrated science labs, Atal Tinkering Labs.
Pedagogical Reform: Competency-based, inquiry-driven, experiential learning methods replacing rote learning.
Green Schools: Focus on water conservation, solar energy, and waste recycling.
Inclusive & Holistic Learning: Multilingual education, vocational integration, and life-skills focus aligned with NEP 2020.

Funding Pattern

Category	Centre: State / UT
General States / UTs with Legislature	60: 40
NE & Himalayan States, J&K	90: 10
UTs without Legislature	100% Central Funding

Selection Process

Stage 1: States/UTs sign an MoU with the Centre, agreeing to implement NEP 2020 reforms.
Stage 2: Schools screened via UDISE+ data on infrastructure, learning outcomes, and governance.
Stage 3: Challenge Mode Selection – shortlisted schools undergo field verification; final approval by an expert committee.

Monitoring Framework

School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF), developed by NCERT, ensures:

Regular academic audits
Teacher performance evaluation
Learning outcome tracking
Continuous improvement plans

Current Issues

Several opposition-ruled states (Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi) have refused to sign the MoU, calling the scheme centralising and duplicative of state education programmes.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu have shown conditional willingness but sought greater financial flexibility and local autonomy.
As a result, SSA funds have been withheld, affecting ongoing education initiatives in these states.

Significance

Model Demonstration Effect: Acts as a “lighthouse school” for replication across India.
NEP 2020 Alignment: Enables systemic reforms in pedagogy, inclusivity, and digital learning.
Equity & Access: Focus on socio-economically disadvantaged areas to reduce learning gaps.
Sustainability: Integrates environmental education and green infrastructure.

Other Key Education Schemes for Context

Scheme	Focus Area
National Education Policy (NEP 2020)	Universal access, 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 structure, holistic learning, multilingualism.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)	Unified scheme covering pre-school to Class XII for equitable quality education.
Mid-Day Meal / PM POSHAN	Nutrition support, attendance improvement, and learning enhancement.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)	Promoting girls’ education and gender parity.
PM e-Vidya & SWAYAM	Digital learning, MOOCs, and teacher training under the Digital India initiative.

Way Forward

Greater fiscal and administrative flexibility for states to address political friction over centralisation.
Strengthen state-level monitoring, and teacher training should be improved for better implementation.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) and CSR participation should be encouraged.
Use of data-driven evaluation via SQAF for quality assurance.

Why in News?

The Kerala government has sought financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme, citing a resource crunch in its education sector.

This comes amid the Centre’s decision to withhold Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds from States such as Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal that have not signed the required MoU for participation in the PM-SHRI scheme.

Conclusion

The PM-SHRI Scheme is a transformative step to modernise India’s school education architecture and operationalise NEP 2020.

However, its success hinges on cooperative federalism, ensuring both the Centre and States share ownership of reforms while maintaining respect for local needs and autonomy.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Discuss how the PM-SHRI Scheme embodies the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. What challenges does it face in ensuring equitable and quality education across states?