In a significant move aimed at strengthening government schools in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the state of Telangana has been chosen to host 794 schools as part of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) initiative. This information was shared by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Education Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply to a question raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Dharmapuri Arvind from Nizamabad, who sought details on the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme in Telangana.
The PM SHRI scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative of the Union Ministry of Education that aims to uplift existing government schools by transforming them into model institutions, rather than establishing new ones. The selected schools will undergo improvements in physical infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sanitation facilities, as well as the integration of digital learning tools and smart classrooms.
The focus of PM SHRI schools extends beyond physical upgrades to include experiential and competency-based learning, inclusive education practices, environmental sustainability, and student well-being. Additionally, teacher training aligned with NEP guidelines is a key component of the scheme. Schools are selected based on specific criteria such as availability of land, existing infrastructure, and the willingness of state governments to implement NEP-related reforms.
