PM SHRI SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: In response to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's request for the release of Samagra Shiksha Scheme funds for 2024-25, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that Tamil Nadu must sign an MoU for the PM-SHRI scheme, which focuses on developing model schools to lead neighboring institutions.

PM SHRI Scheme

• Aim: To transform existing government schools into model schools that offer high-quality education within an inclusive, equitable, catering to the diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs, and varying academic abilities of children.
• Launched: September 2022
• Duration: From 2022-23 to 2026-27
• Funding: The scheme is structured as a Centrally sponsored program. 
• Objective: This funding will facilitate the transformation of nearly 14,500 schools nationwide, aligning them with the components outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020. 
• Five States: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal are yet to sign the MoU.
• These schools will also serve as role models and provide mentorship to neighboring educational institutions.
• Monitoring Progress: A 'School Quality Assessment Framework' is currently under development to assess and monitor the progress and performance of these schools.

Samagra Shiksha Scheme 

• About: It is an integrated scheme aimed at providing education from pre-primary to senior secondary (up to class 12th) levels.
• Funding: It operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Aim: To universalize access to school education across India, ensuring no child is left out of the education system.

o It seeks to promote equity by including disadvantaged groups and weaker sections, ensuring educational opportunities are accessible to all.