Schools For Rising India: Over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools To Be Developed Across India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new initiative - PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools For Rising India) on Monday (5 September) on the occasion of National Teachers’ Day.

The PM Shri Schools initiative will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14,500 schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central government/State/UT government/local bodies.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Education, PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.

The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills, the ministry said.

"Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable," the ministry said.

"Focus will be on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes of every child in every grade. Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based," it added.

These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room etc. which is inclusive and accessible.

The PM SHRI schools will also be developed as green schools with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum.

"They will provide leadership in their respective regions in providing 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 and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020," the ministry said.