Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Monday that 14,500 schools across the country will be developed and upgraded under the PM-SHRI Yojana and they will be equipped with modern infrastructure, including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities.
On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, PM Modi said the schools developed under the Pradhan Mantri Schools For Rising India (PM-SHRI) will become model schools, encapsulating the full spirit of the new National Education Policy.
“Today, on #TeachersDay I am glad to announce a new initiative – the development and upgradation of 14,500 schools across India under the Pradhan Mantri Schools For Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana. These will become model schools which will encapsulate the full spirit of NEP,” he said in a series of tweets.
“The PM-SHRI schools will have a modern, transformational and holistic method of imparting education. Emphasis will be on a discovery-oriented, learning-centric way of teaching. The focus will also be on modern infra including the latest technology, smart classrooms, sports and more,” PM Modi added.
Noting that the National Education Policy has transformed the education sector in recent years, the PM said, “I am certain that the PM-SHRI schools will further benefit lakhs of students across India in the spirit of NEP”.
The centrally sponsored scheme will be implemented by strengthening existing schools selected from amongst those managed by the Central government, states, Union Territories and local bodies.
“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,” a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said.
It said pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, and discovery-oriented.
The focus will be on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes in every grade, it aid.
“Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations and will be competency-based,” it said.
“These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room, etc. which is inclusive and accessible. These schools shall also be developed as green schools with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure, and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum,” the PMO said.
“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 PMO added.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the initiative as a significant step towards implementing the vision of NEP and making India a vibrant knowledge society.
“A laboratory of NEP 2020, these 14,500 exemplar schools with their unique experiential, holistic, inquiry-driven and learner-centric pedagogy will facilitate the creation of well-rounded individuals with humanistic attitudes who are equipped with skills of the 21st century.
