The Education Ministry has halted funding to Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal under the flagship school education initiative, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). This decision was taken due to their unwillingness to take part in the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, as reported by Indian Express.
Five states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal—have not yet signed the MoU with the centre for PM-SHRI Yojana. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have shown their willingness to sign, but Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal have refused. This refusal has reportedly led the Centre to stop their SSA funds for the time being.
Why this Opposition?
The Aam Aadmi Party-ruled states of Delhi and Punjab declined to participate because they already run a similar program for model schools called "Schools of Eminence."
However the state government of West Bengal is opposing the addition of "PM-SHRI" in their school names, given that the states bear 40% of the costs.
What is PM-SHRI Yojana?
PM-SHRI Scheme is one of the centrally sponsored schemes which focuses on the development of schools in various states according to the standards set by New Education Policy, 2020.
The Central Government plans to make around 14,500 PM-SHRI schools across the country.
The then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a joint conference along with the education ministers of the states and Union Territories in order to discuss the scheme. The Ministry of Education organised this conference at Gandhinagar, Gujarat where all education ministers were in attendance.
In the words of Dharmendra Pradhan, “Even if the country has exemplary schools like Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas, the schools developed under PM-SHRI Yojana will be considered as labs for the New Education Policy.”
Over the course of five years, the project will cost a total of Rs. 27360 crore. Over a five-year period, the entire central share is Rs. 18,128 crore, while the state contribution is Rs. 9,232 crore.
Aim of PM-SHRI Yojana
The PM-SHRI Yojana aims to upgrade schools with facilities such as art rooms, labs, and libraries, transforming them into "green schools" featuring energy-efficient infrastructure, water and waste recycling, and a curriculum promoting an organic lifestyle.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has emphasized that PM-SHRI schools will be equipped with the necessary tools to prepare students for the future. These advanced schools will serve as pilot projects for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and act as role models for other educational institutions in the area, fostering a positive learning environment and raising academic standards.
The PM-SHRI program is designed to provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive, and joyful learning environment, reflecting NEP's commitment to valuing the diverse student body.
PM-SHRI Yojana: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Due to the Central government's sponsorship of the PM-SHRI program, the state or UT will bear 40% of the implementation costs, with the Center bearing the remaining 60%. However, the central government's share might reach 90% in certain states, including the northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and others.
Also Read: UP Government Vs Sarkari Teachers: Know Why are Teachers on Road?
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation