STATES’ REFUSAL OF PM-SHRI SCHEME DISRUPTS FUNDING

Why in the news?

  • The Education Ministry stops Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal for not participating in the PM-SHRI scheme.
  • PM-SHRI aims to upgrade 14,500 government schools as exemplars under National Education Policy 2020, with 60% funded by the Centre.
  • Delhi and Punjab run similar schemes and object to prefixing “PM-SHRI” to school names; West Bengal opposes cost-sharing and name prefixing, seeking release of SSA funds.

Key Points: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

  • Launch Year: Introduced in 2018 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
  • Objective: Ensures equitable, inclusive, and cost-effective delivery of school education across India.
  • Components: Integrates Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education Program under its umbrella.
  • Coverage: Over 1.16 million schools, serving approximately 15.6 crore children and 57 lakh teachers in government and government-aided schools.
  • Funding: Centrally sponsored scheme with the central government providing 60% of funds and state governments contributing 40%.
source:pib
About Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme:

  • Centrally sponsored initiative launched in 2022
  • Aimed: at transforming and upgrading schools across India. Key details include:
  • Objective: Develop more than 14,500 schools by enhancing existing institutions managed by central government, state/UT governments, and local bodies.
  • Duration: Operational from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
  • Features: Schools designated as exemplars under the National Education Policy 2020, promoting green practices, experiential learning, and learner-centred pedagogy.
  • Assessment: Emphasises competency-based evaluations linked to real-life applications, with a School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) for regular quality assessments.
  • Employability Focus: Aims to enhance employability through collaboration with Sector Skill Councils and local industries, aligning education with market needs.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/pm-shri-yojana/