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Context: The Education Ministry has stopped releasing Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal as these states have not implemented the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) program.
PM SHRI Schools Scheme
- Announced: 2022
- Type: Centrally Sponsored scheme.
- Under: The Department of School Education and Literacy.
- Objective: To develop over 14,500 schools nationwide by enhancing existing schools managed by the Central Government, States, UTs, or local bodies.
- Duration: Scheduled from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which the responsibility for maintaining achieved benchmarks will transition to the respective States/UTs.
Features of PM SHRI Schools Scheme
- These schools will serve as model institutions demonstrating the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) components and provide mentorship to neighbouring schools.
- PM SHRI Schools will be developed as Green Schools with environment-friendly practices.
- Emphasises experiential, holistic, integrated, and play/toy-based learning, especially in early education.
- The curriculum will be inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centric, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable.
- Assessments will focus on conceptual understanding and the application of knowledge to real-life situations, adopting a competency-based approach.
- Plans to link with Sector Skill Councils and local industries to enhance employability and provide better job opportunities for students.
- Development of a School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) with key performance indicators to measure outcomes.
- Regular quality evaluations of schools will be conducted to ensure they meet the desired standards.