Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new scheme — PM-SHRI — to develop 14,500 schools as model schools that will be equipped with modern infrastructure, including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities.

Modi, who announced the scheme on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, 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.

What is the scheme about?

• 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.

• Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, and discovery-oriented.

• Focus will be on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes in every grade.

• Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based.

• 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.

• 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.

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