Cabinet approves new central scheme for development of schools
The scheme aims to strengthen the select existing schools being managed by central or state governments.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a recently announced centrally sponsored scheme – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India), paving the way for development of more than 14500 schools across the country with a total project cost of Rs 27360 crore which includes a central share of Rs 18128 crore for a period of five years from year 2022-23 to 2026-27.
The scheme aims to strengthen the select existing schools being managed by central or state governments.
PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020, act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity, a cabinet release stated.
The PM SHRI schools will deliver quality teaching for the cognitive development of students and will strive to create and nurture holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills, the release added.
The scheme will provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children as per the vision of National Education Policy 2020.
The PM SHRI Schools will be developed as Green schools, incorporating environment friendly aspects like solar panels and LED lights, nutrition gardens with natural farming, waste management, plastic free, water conservation and harvesting, study of traditions related to protection of environment, climate change related hackathon and awareness generation to adopt sustainable lifestyle.
Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play or toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centered, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
Under the scheme, education in mother tongue and local languages will be encouraged using technological interventions to help bridge language barriers.
ICT, smart classrooms and digital libraries for using digital pedagogy will be another feature in such schools. All the schools under the scheme will be covered under ICT, smart classrooms and digital initiatives strengthening the existing infrastructure.
The schools shall be monitored vigorously to assess progress and understand the challenges faced in implementation of National Education Policy 2020.
The selection of PM SHRI schools will be done through Challenge Mode wherein Schools compete for support to become exemplar schools. Schools would be required to self-apply on the online portal. The portal will be opened four times a year, once every quarter, for first two years of the scheme, said the Cabinet release.
The schools will be developed as vibrant schools focusing on all round development of children.
More than 18 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme.
