The Centre has raised serious concerns regarding the failure of five states to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Education for the implementation of the PM SHRI schools initiative.
Despite ongoing funding under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, Punjab has also halted the implementation of PM SHRI schools, leading to a significant setback in the government's efforts to revamp the education sector.
The states of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Delhi have not yet signed the MoUs, while 30 other states and union territories have already done so. This refusal to cooperate with the PM SHRI schools initiative, despite receiving funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, reflects a concerning trend of politicization in education policy.
The PM SHRI schools initiative aims to upgrade 14,500 schools across the country and is expected to benefit approximately 1.8 million students. It seeks to transform these schools into model institutions that align with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, thereby ensuring quality education for all.
The government has already selected 6,448 schools from 28 states and UTs for the first phase of the upgrade. However, the reluctance of certain states to participate in the initiative has hindered its progress and undermined its potential impact on the education landscape.
In response to the situation, the Centre is considering various options, including the possibility of withholding funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for states that have failed to sign MoUs for PM SHRI schools.
While no final decision has been made yet, such measures are being contemplated to compel states to prioritize the implementation of key education initiatives. The Samagra Shiksha Scheme, being the largest Central government scheme for school education, plays a crucial role in promoting universal access to education and supporting the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
It also focuses on strengthening educational institutions and enhancing teacher training programs across the country. In the financial year 2023-24, the Centre allocated a significant portion of its budget towards school education, highlighting its commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education for all children in India.
However, the effectiveness of these efforts depends on the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including state governments, in implementing key initiatives like the PM SHRI schools program.
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