Kerala Joins PM SHRI School Scheme After Three-Year Delay Amid Ideological Debates Over NEP
Kerala has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union government to implement the PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme. The state had initially resisted due to ideological differences regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. PM SHRI aims to develop over 14,500 schools as model institutions showcasing NEP features. The Union government will provide 60% of the funding (90% for hilly/NEP states), with the state covering the rest. Kerala's decision was partly influenced by the Union's condition of linking PM SHRI participation to the release of Samagra Shiksha funds.
Key Points
- PM SHRI schools are designed to be 'exemplar schools' that demonstrate the implementation of NEP 2020.
- Funding is shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States (90:10 for specific regions).
- States like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu still oppose the scheme due to branding and language policy concerns.
Exam Facts
- Total project outlay for PM SHRI is ₹27,360 crore for five years.
- The scheme aims to develop over 14,500 schools across India.
- The Central share of the project is ₹18,128 crore.
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